Abrupt independence: Newfoundland and Labrador has one of the lowest cutoff ages in Canada for youth leaving system

Youth in Newfoundland and Labrador face a precarious transition to adulthood as child protection supports end abruptly at age 21, one of the lowest cut-off ages in Canada. Many lack the family networks or preparation needed for independence, leading to mental health struggles and a higher risk of falling into the justice system without adequate wraparound support.