Support systems must move faster for at risk youth, N.B. government says

New Brunswick’s government says more work is needed to support youth who are facing barriers when they ask for help.

Social Development Minister Cindy Miles responded to a new report from the child and youth advocate, noting the roadblocks some teens have encountered when trying to access support.

“It is a stark reminder that, until all young people feel safe and supported, our work is not done,” Miles said in a government release.

RELATED: N.B. Advocate flags delays in support for at‑risk youth

Supports now extend to age 26, a change Miles said helps young people stay connected to services as they get older.

More than 550 youth are currently receiving help through these programs, according to Miles.

The department is also backing community‑based initiatives aimed at strengthening families.

The province has introduced a bursary for former youth in care pursuing post‑secondary education and created a minister’s advisory council to ensure young people have a voice in decision‑making.

Miles pointed to the Child and Youth Well‑Being Act as the framework guiding the department’s work, saying it places the needs of young people at the centre of every decision.

“Systems must move faster and with more compassion because children live at the speed of crisis while systems move at the speed of caution,” Miles said.

She emphasized that no child should have to fight to be heard and that the department is working to remove barriers, listen more closely and empower staff to act when youth ask for help.

“We will embrace every opportunity to improve and will never shy away from hard but necessary conversations,” Miles said.

The provincial government plans to continue reviewing its programs as part of its work to improve outcomes for children, youth and families.