Youth in Care
Aftercare Benefits Initiative
The Aftercare Benefits Initiative (ABI) is a comprehensive health and dental benefits program for former youth in care. The program provides a broad range of benefit coverage, including prescription drug, dental, vision, extended health benefits, counseling, and life skills support services.
Eligibility:
Eligible youth are former Extended Society Wards or youth who were eligible to receive Continued Care and Support for Youth (CCSY) or Extended Care and Maintenance (ECM) and are between 21 and 25 years of age.
This includes youth who:
- Had Extended Society Ward status that expired at age 18;
- Were subject to a protection (formal) customary care agreement or a protection custody order at age 18; or
- Were eligible for support under the Renewed Youth Support (RYS) program.
Youth eligible for coverage under another health plan (e.g. a plan provided by an employer, spouse, or university/college) are not eligible.
Youth attending college or university may apply for ABI if they choose to opt out of their school health benefit plan.
For more information and to view a copy of the Benefit Plan Booklet please visit oacas.org/abi
Supports through Shepell are accessible to youth up to age 29.