Former youth in care stage 'cry-in' on steps of Manitoba Legislature

Armed with massive tissue boxes and tears, former youth in care are staging a 'cry-in' on the steps of the Legislature, to publicly criticize government ministers for 'ignoring' an invite to a film screening event.

"We're all pretty upset," organizer Dylan Cohen told CBC News. 

Cohen and others who grew up the child welfare system have invited government officials and community leaders to a film screening and panel discussion next Monday. The event is to raise awareness that more support is needed as youth transition out of care.

So far, invitations to Premier Greg Selinger and Family Services Minister Kerri Irvin-Ross have gone unanswered, Cohen said.

"I think that this is just another example of us being a little bit ignored by the policymakers when it comes to trying to address these policies and how they directly impact the lives of these youth," he said.

Cohen said his story is similar to many youth in care — he bounced between six foster families and even wound up homeless by the age of 18. Now, 20, and a third-year student at the University of Winnipeg, he's advocating for better supports. 

Cohen said when youth begin "aging-out" of Child and Family Services care, they are often left feeling lost and unsure of where to turn for support.

After age 18, youth in care can apply for support through Manitoba's extension of care program, which covers living expenses and access to a social worker, but after age 21 that help ends. 

The group's film screening and panel discussion is calling for extensions to care to age 25. 

"The misinformation and confusion around extensions has a lot of youth feeling alienated and unsupported," he said, adding that other reports and organizations are calling for changes including, the Phoenix Sinclair Inquiry, the Social Planning Council of Winnipeg and the Children's Advocate.

Cohen hopes Wednesday's cry-in will encourage the politicians who have not responded to attend, but also highlight the issue.

"We'll be holding signs, we've got some massive tissue boxes and a bunch of tears," said Cohen. "We want to make sure the politicians are listening to us and acknowledging that our voice is really important."

Minister addresses 'cry in'

Family Services Minister, Kerri Irvin-Ross spoke with Cohen and others at Wednesday's cry-in. Irvin-Ross said she is "not sure" if her schedule will allow her to attend the group's film screening, however, she plans to send representatives from Child and Family Services.

A spokesperson for the minister said extending support to age 25 is currently "under study".

Premier Selinger did not immediately respond to CBC's request for comment.