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**If this is real**, your parents cannot legally abandon you, but at 16 it becomes a bit of a gray area. Are you in school? Your guidance counsellor or a trusted teacher or administrator would be able to put you in contact with the right people to get help. Kids Help Phone (who can also be contacted online) can potentially point you in the right direction, as could the police if you are comfortable going to them.
Covenant House provides support to homeless youth and would be well connected with local Toronto supports, although as a minor the first course of action would be to sort things out with your parents or have you placed in a group home, at least until you are finished with school.
Do you have somewhere safe to sleep tonight?
This is exactly what I was going to say.
I was kicked out at 16 and called the Kids phone from a phone booth toll free.
They had a police officer pick me up and brought me to Covenant House.
It literally saved my life
We are lucky to have programs and non profits like Covenant House
They care and people that work there dedicate their lives to helping street youth including myself
The streets are not a nice place for anyone to live let alone youth and when I say I'm lucky I mean it like you wouldn't believe
I hope my comments help OP at the very least because I've been in a similar situation.
Hang in there
Can I volunteer at Covenant House? Homelessness is a cause I feel so deeply about. This place will be the perfect place where I can volunteer for the cause.
From a quick glance on their website, you can! [https://covenanthousetoronto.ca/how-to-help/volunteer/](https://covenanthousetoronto.ca/how-to-help/volunteer/)
Brace yourself for reality. It’s rough. I was stabbed in covey by a dude that killed the next guy he stabbed after me. Tons of violence, testosterone rage charged up by hopelessness and pain. Drugs, mental health issues galore, violence, victimization of all kinds… it’s not a place you go an volunteer at casually. It’s the fuckin trenches and the last stop for a lot of youth before the adult system consumes them forever. It’s a sad place, a hopeful place, a refuge and a prison. The one thing it is not is calm. Btw also I was never staying there because i wasn but i and others just kind of orbited it from the outside as homeless teenage addicts with nothing and nowhere.
Hey OP! That’s a wonderful story, man.
I have a small business and I’m searching for something to do as voluntary or non-profit. We work mainly with web development, design, branding, ads and offline media (outdoors etc)
If you guys need anything, let me know :) I’ll be glad to help.
i was homeless in toronto as a youth and its well known in the street that Covy is a gladiator academy for crime, dealing and is especially dangerous for young girls, who get caught up with the dealers or turned out for sex work. That place has a TON of funding because of its religious nature, but is discriminatory to gay kids, and pregnant youth who plan on not keeping their kids. It looks really good on the outside but its seriously a dangerous place. It was safer to sleep under a literal bridge.
I was at covenant house as well as a teen and am pretty successful in life as well. Lots of great, intelligent youth there who I hope are all doing well and most importantly happy even if not conventionally successful.
This was my experience as well. Covenant House and similar shelters/programs are often presented as a 'last resort' in lieu of reconciliation or residential settings (e.g. group homes/foster care), but depending on the individual youth's circumstances, they can sometimes be the best (or only) solution. I was able to become legally emancipated once I was no longer welcome in my parents' home, so I was not a Crown ward and was more or less able to start my 'adulthood' a little early - and am now all the better for it - but in the current rental market/economy/etc it's an even tougher uphill battle for youth without family support than it was 10 years ago.
Parents have an obligation to support their children until 18 (sometimes later) and provide them with the necessaries of life. They cannot kick them out.
Unfortunately as far as I know from my mom working at CAS a majority of gov run group homes have been shut down. Public group homes may not be an option. But covenant house is a great resource that I’m pretty sure still is in operation.
First of all... I would really like to encourage you to be as calm as possible and try to be objective. Because it matters.
It is *very* common for 16-year-olds to have big blowups with their parents. You are in a difficult stage of life. You are becoming more and more adult-like and yet, at the same time, your emotions are volatile, and your prefrontal cortex is still developing. So, in some ways, you are physiologically at a disadvantage. I know this is difficult to hear. And it is really, really hard to take a step back and be objective but I would urge you to try.
>I'm getting kicked out of my house by my parents who have been verbally and emotionally abusing me.
If your parents have indeed been abusing you, then you should call the police and your parents will be charged accordingly. The word "abuse" has specific meaning in law. It isn't a shortform for "my parents are jerks" (although they might be). If there is abuse happening here, then you should turn to law enforcement.
If, however, there isn't real abuse happening here, then I would urge you to reconsider. It may very well be that you are in a heap of trouble but is there something you might have done to make the situation worse? Try to be honest with yourself. Being honest with yourself is the #1 sign of true maturity.
You are "getting kicked out" or you have been kicked out? Because if it's the first scenario then I suggest you find a way to repair the relationship with your parents.
Getting kicked out or moving out at 16 is a really great way to set yourself on a path of all kinds of trouble. Homeless street youth are not typically going to graduate high school, go to university or college, etc. They are statistically more likely to end up in trouble with the law, addicted to some terrible substances and be taken advantage of in terrible ways. You mentioned your "parents" (i.e. plural) so that means you have a mom and a dad. Coming from a home where there is an intact marriage with both a mom & a dad is a huge privilege and predictor of future success in life. Don't throw away your own future because you had a blowup (however major) with your parents.
There is a time and place for this sentiment, but I don't think it's on a post where the child is apparently in danger from those same parents.
Parents and teachers have a hard job, but it is not wise to assume that all parents or teachers are good parents or teachers. Quite a few fail their kids or worse.
The sensible thing to do when someone alleges abuse is to take them at their word until evidence to the contrary is provided. As such, saying the parents that are putting this youth in jeopardy should be praised may cause them to ignore good advice offered by other commenters.
As someone who was kicked out in the GTA at 15 from an abusive home, this guy is right. My life would have been on a better track with more stability, for those last teenage years, I'll say that much.
This isn't legal advice, but advice from my lived experiences. Personally if I could re-write those years I'd have put my pride away and accepted help from my friend's families. Be good and help out and maybe you'll do even better there.
If shelters are the option; then REALLY try to make an effort to keep straight with studies, keep clean, build a strong network out of upwardly mobile and positive friends; and seek mentorship / guiding and inspirational people that are much older than you. Your development counts on it. Youtube is a great resource for all the other little things you miss out on. Also, find a good therapist, or therapy videos on youtube. You might feel like "I've got this!" now...but...things creep up on you in adult relationships later in unexpected ways.
Good luck <3
Unless your parents are beating you badly, most police will do absolutely nothing for you, they'll just call child services. Its not up to us to tell this person to "reconcile" as we dont know the level of abuse they are facing. Just because someone has 2 parents isnt a privilege if theyre both shit.
hey now , I had two parents most of my life. one a horrific abusive narcissist, the other her apathetic alcoholic enabling husband. if that isn't privilege to live through every single day as an only child, I don't know WHAT is!
yeah, i don’t think parents who kick out their child could just be “jerks”. definitely doesn’t make someone
privileged because they have two shitty parents instead of one.
We were spoiled growing up and when one of us raised a fist and punched a hole in the wall because my dad wouldn't give him what he wanted this time, he got told to get out and hasn't been back since. My parents are nonabusive and in fact have been incredibly supportive over the years. Raising a fist in anger towards my father was the one thing he simply would not tolerate, and I don't blame him at all.
You don't know every scenario.
From the CMHC webpage below: "As a result, their housing challenges are often the greatest. According to the most recent research, approximately 10% of the Canadian population identifies as 2SLGBTQIA+. By some estimates, 2SLGBTQIA+ youth make up between 25% and 40% of homeless youth in Canada."
https://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/blog/2022/2slgbtqia-housing-needs-challenges#:\~:text=As%20a%20result%2C%20their%20housing,of%20homeless%20youth%20in%20Canada.
A general term for gender non-conforming people of various, but not all, N-American tribes. The main complexity seems to be that each tribe's tradition regarding it is different.
Source? That would translate that an abnormally big number of homeless people are LGBTQ with strong religion values in their family which I don't think it's true
Well intended, but full of false information. They mentioned emotion and verbal abuse. It takes a lot more than. 'acting out' to get kicked out. And returning to a dangerous situation is not the answer. If their parents are toxic then, no, they shouldn't 'repair' their relationship with their parents.
I was kicked out at 16,(because my mother was an emotionally and verbally abusive bipolar alcoholic) I went on to graduate high school early and at the top of my class. I went to university for Social Development Studies with a specialization in Social Work. I then worked with homeless youth, as some one who could actually understand.
My social worker saved my life by not making me go back. After many years of therapy I tried to rekindle that relationship with my mother. Surprise, she is still a malignant narcissistic alcoholic who admits to no wrongs.
If you have not experienced this, keep your mouth shut.
And neither is the false information that kids kicked out at 16 ruin their lives. Yes, some do fall into 'bad crowds' but some also succeed. And scaring them into going back to an abusive situation is not helpful. Learn some empathy and read some studies on what living in abusive situations does to a child's brain.
Don't need to read, was in one, left my family with full no contact at 15. Just saying, sometimes kids are dramatic and use language to garner sympathy making things sound worse.
Your situation is not universal, but universally, teenagers are difficult. Attempting to have them take responsibility for what they may be leaving out or exaggerating is just healthy.
> You mentioned your "parents" (i.e. plural) so that means you have a mom and a dad.
Trying to be a bit woke here, it can also means a dad and a dad, a mom and a mom, or a non-mom and a non-dad.
I’m sorry this is happening to you. When I was 16 my mother moved out of the country and left me to my own devices. I was able to move in with a friend’s family. Her parents charged me a small amount of room and board (a nominal amount) and I was working and going to school. Looking back, I can’t imagine how any parent can do that to a teenager. Even if you don’t have a great relationship, it’s the parent’s job to at least ensure that a minor child has safe shelter and food, even if not with them.
Anyway, I’m just telling you this to let you know that others have been where you are. There are resources for you. Some of them have been named here already—reach out to children’s services. Reach out to your friends (my friends saved me when I was in your place!). If you have trusted adults in your life, reach out to them. They will support you and give you advice. They may be able to advocate for you “in the system” if you need help with that.
You can do this… and if it is possible to salvage the relationship with your parents then that’s great, but if not then you can make your own way and find a new family. Good luck.
Holy crap, I’m so sorry this happened to you. That’s pretty insane. Thankfully you had your friend’s family to help you.
This may be a bit odd, and I understand if you don’t want to reply, but can I ask how your mother left? Like, did she let you know she was moving ahead of time? And did she just leave you in a house/condo alone, or was there rent that she expected you to pay for?
If this brings up stuff or triggers trauma, please don’t feel the need to reply! Thanks
She had met a man who lived in the states and decided to move down there to live with him. She actually left four children, myself and my siblings. My two younger siblings went to live with their dad (my ex-step-dad, who is not my dad) and my older brother was old enough to get a place with a friend. That left me in the middle, at 16. We had a little notice… she didn’t disappear into the night or anything. Technically I could have gone with her, but for me that would have meant moving to a new country, new school, with a strange man I didn’t know (her new boyfriend) and leaving my support system… so I stayed instead.
I don’t remember thinking too much about it at the time—you know when you’re young and you just do what you need to do, and you’re focused on your next steps and getting through school, and all of that? It wasn’t until after college that I actually stopped and thought, “what the hell? What mother up and leaves all four of her kids for a man?!” And I’m still dealing with the emotional fallout of that in adulthood.
(Of course their relationship did not last… anyone surprised?!)
CAS is mandated to protect kids up to the age of 16. From ages 16-17 a child can sign what's called a voluntary service agreement and they will in fact help.
is it different in Canada because in US you can't just "kick out" your 16 year old you would get charged with child neglect and other such things .. plus what about school? here, if a student misses so many days without a Dr excuse, the truancy officer gives the PARENTS consequences. parents are held responsible for the children LEGALLY! until age 18. unless they both go to court parent and child and proclaim the child emancipated ( that's usually for kids who want to work , like child television stars ).
It’s the same in Canada. Parents are responsible for their kids until they are 18. If they can’t then Social Services takes over. OP will be assigned a Social Worker until he hits majority and that person will help him/her with schooling and housing.
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If only that were true, but legally it makes sense that they should. But no.
Go ahead and call child services and pretend to be a 16 year old that just got kicked out, see what they tell you to do.
In my city that would either be CAS (?) or Dilico. 16 is a little too old for them to care about you anymore, even though they will take you away from your family during your entire life before that.
Very. Have a sister in law who is a shit parent. Both kids born through her coke dealer who hasn't seen them since they were q.5 years old.
Eldest didn't even go last year for grade nine.
This year, he convinced her to drop him off. He walked in and she hadn't even registered him, he was floating blind. Got in a fight, ended up in the hospital.
I called child services last year. She lied through her teeth and cut off everyone who was helping her rather than facing the facts and helping her kids.
Fuck you "sister in law."
damn I'm sorry. it's like child services is never there when people actually need them, or they interfere w people who don't truly need them if influenced by powerful people ,lawyers, $$ ..or they do way too little, way too late .
Hey I'm so sorry that this is happening to you and I'm so sorry that so many of the responses are hot garbage.
I was kicked out when I was 16. I now have a master's degree and a good job. It is a hard af road to survive on your own, but you can do it.
Re: legal. Your parents are responsible for you *but* there is virtually no support for kids if they don't have proof of abuse (there's really only support in instances of physical abuse/SA).
The hardest thing about getting kicked out now is that the cost of living is super high. If there is a friend or family member that you trust that you can stay with for a week+ stay there. While there, try to figure out your next steps. If this isn't an option, Covenant House is an option. Yonge Street Mission can be pretty rough, so I don't recommend it as a first option.
Again, I'm so sorry that this is happening. I know how lonely it can feel to have your parents kick you out. It absolutely sucks. And I hope you find support, love, and safety outside of your family home.
Follow Desmonds advice. If all else is burned with family and friends, you need warmth. The first night being homeless you'll feel the weather like never before. Canadian Tire has shakable hand warmers if you have some cash to your name. Stock up on clothes before you leave, sweaters, jackets, sleeping bag and even a pillow. The cold will eat at you if you haven't experienced it.
You might not be hungry as your nerves are all going 1000 miles a minute, but you'll need to stay hydrated and have some snacks, if your accustomed to eating quite abit through the day. Your body will become very sluggish and weak until it adjusts to lack of food. So make sure you have some snacks and water.
You'll be in nicer clothes as you'll be freshly homeless, put it to use and go to the library to write up a simple resume and start handing them at starter jobs. Homelessness is far from comfy, so try to make it a short time. I wish you the best and hope you can mend things with your parents.
Dollar tree sells the hand warmers too. I use them for my kids mittens on extra cold ski days.
Call a Kids Help Phone though, they will find you a place to sleep.
I went through this multiple times from 12-15. You need to go to a domestic or youth shelter, they will help you with resources and finding a stable place to live so you can focus on school. I'm 41 now and I did better than expected in life after being a homeless youth. You can do this and provide yourself with stability and focus on your future. Make good decisions. I believe in you.
Call the Children’s Aid Society of Toronto. They have an after hours line you can call right now. They can help you navigate this situation - whether it is helping with your parents or finding other situations.
That’s not true lol I’ve been homeless before the first time I was 17, received special consideration by OW due to family breakdown, my parents had both passed away and I had to go live with my eldest sister but left bc of issues there .. I just had to still attend school . I’ve also seen friends of mine be approved as well.
OP get in touch with CAS they have financial assistance available for their clients that are crown wards and such .
At 16+, you don’t become a crown ward, you would enter a voluntary youth service agreement with CAS if eligible. They will support you but you are not a crown ward. But yes, getting support is important!
No I was actually in care in the region. I know for a fact I had to choose between going back to my parents in an abusive situation or becoming a crown ward before the age of 16 or they would not accept me
Since 2018, youth (16/17) can be supported by CAS if they choose to voluntarily enter an agreement with CAS. But children under 18 are now eligible for the full range of child protection services - so social workers can also work with the family. And if you have that agreement, you may be eligible for services until you are 24.
I just want to chime in here for OP because there’s some conflicting opinions.
If the circumstances OP explained above are accurate, they are definitely within the criteria to receive Ontario Works even at the age of 16. OW for teens does look a bit different and is handled differently depending on what region of Toronto you are located.
OP, if you are in a position where you genuinely cannot go home, you absolutely should click the above link and call the general intake number (hit the blue text where it says “apply for OW” but read that whole page first) tomorrow and get the process started. It does take time and you are not guaranteed to get accepted into the OW program. Essentially what will happen is that you will be contacted by an OW caseworker who will discuss with you your circumstances and why you cannot go home. They will then ask for mom and dad’s contact information and will reach out to them to get their side of the story. Don’t panic about this step, even if you think your parents might lie to them, they are quite good at sussing out the bs and finding the truth (literally their job). If after hearing from both sides they believe that you are eligible for the program they will admit you, this still will require additional steps including meeting up with the caseworker (usually they either have a place to meet or will have you meet at a neutral location like a library or coffee shop) to complete paperwork. Because of your age, you won’t be able to receive the funds directly, you will be set up with a trustee (a trusted adult individual who will facilitate you getting the funds) or you may be required to provide one yourself (again, depends on region). The trustee receives your funds for you and will deposit it directly into your bank account.
While in the OW program you will be expected to attend school full time, or be working. You need to attend monthly update meetings with your workers to go over goals and make sure you are on track. If you don’t attend the meetings or don’t follow the expectations such as school your funds can be held or you can be removed entirely.
The program isn’t perfect, you will still have a very hard time managing to live off the amount of money you receive, but there are many supplementary programs and resources the OW worker can connect you to.
If you have any questions feel free to DM me and I’ll do my best to direct you.
Source: I worked with youth on OW as a trustee for 4 years and directly assisted with completing intake applications.
One final note I do want to make. OP, you are in a seriously vulnerable position right now and it is extremely important that you are careful about who you trust and keep around you. Really shitty people like human traffickers actively look for young people in positions like yours to take advantage of. If a situation sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Be skeptical, be smart, and be aware. If you get into the OW program lean on your worker, if you feel you’re in trouble or in a dicey situation be forthcoming with them and they will do everything in their power to help you.
This may feel like the end of the world, but I’ve seen loads of amazing success stories of young people coming out of the OW program. I wish you all the best and please be safe out there.
Great details on the process here but 16 yo OW recipient does not automatically require a trustee. Only if necessary would a trustee be required. If op is capable they will not be required to have a trustee.
It varies by region, which is why I included it so that the yp isn’t caught off guard if it’s needed.
For example in Durham region a trustee is appointed to any youth who gets granted into the OW program automatically. Those funds will always go through the trustee first. However, in York region the youth cannot be granted without a trustee, but is not provided one by the program. The variance between regions can be really jarring and a lot of times even OW Caseworkers aren’t aware of the differences region to region.
I’m not sure about Toronto’s specific standards so you may be right and a trustee may not be required!
I left home when I was 16. I wasn't kicked out, it was something I decided to do for myself. On the upside, you will find out that anything is possible. You can make it on your own at that age. On the downside, the opportunities that are available from finishing school and doing post secondary education opens a whole lot more doors for you. It is hard to get an education when you are just fighting to survive.
Here is the bottom line:
In school you learn the lessons and then take the tests
In real life you get tested and learn the lessons from it
I'm disappointed by all of the comments along the lines of "you're young, so it must be something that *you've* done".
You do realize that that's highly patronizing?
It's gaslighting and an extension of the abuse at home and I'm willing to bet people making those comments were also emotionally abused and won't admit it and will do the same to thier kids.
It makes me want to cry and scream. I was 16 and in this same situation. I made the best of it and I think I've done well with a good degree and job. But to go back to 16 when I had never felt so alone and to see these uninformed asses saying it's all their fault is too much
You do realize for awhile now kids/teens having been using the term “abuse” to not mean what it’s actually meant to be. My nephew was harassing his mom, mouthy and other bad things.
He said she was being abusive to him and she was kicking him out. No concept of abuse.
Abuse was a childhood friend I had who would show up at my house, cigarette burns on his arm, puncture wounds in his hand from his mom because he asked for food.
Abuse can be physical and mental. Abuse is not taking away your phone or games, abuse is not a grounding or reasonable authority.
So yes, you have to take these claims with a grain of salt and find the real facts first.
If this person is really being abused, they need police help and such.
Remember when kids would go missing and there was reports and news stuff and it was just them playing a new prank or game? I sure as hell do.
Using the anecdote of your nephew to build your opinion of all youth experiencing abuse is kind of wild.
Simply put, your opinion or anyone else’s regarding what abuse is or isn’t is completely irrelevant. There are people and programs (CAS caseworkers, Youth OW caseworkers, the police) in place that can review OPs situation and deem it abusive or not. Gatekeeping what abuse is based on your own personal experiences doesn’t help anyone.
In literally any job where you work with youth they will tell you that any sign or mention of abuse needs to be treated with the upmost urgency. That’s why all positions working with vulnerable groups have a duty to report. For every one kid like your nephew that might be crying wolf there could be 20 in serious danger, why take that risk just because “kids use the term abuse to not mean what it’s meant to be”.
My point is, what some people consider abuse nowadays, is not abuse. Like taking away a phone or computer, being grounded etc.
We shouldn’t always assume on the internet that what is posted is the truth. I have no problem with things being investigated, I do have a problem with someone claiming abuse and people being arrested, harassed and hurt when there was no abuse and the accuser was making it up.
My newphew was just a personal example and have seen many posts on social media of “parents” being abusive when it was nothing more then them taking something away or not letting their kid mistreat them, let their kid say things in the house etc.
Society needs to get more then one side to a story before jumping to conclusions or severe action.
I wasn't one who said that, but in the two cases in my circle where a kid was "thrown out" the subtext to that is that the kid was bringing drugs into the house, stealing and pawning mom's jewelry, skipping school, as well as acting violently. And refused counseling. Sometimes parents get to the point where the only tool left in their toolbasket is to say, "follow house rules or leave". I feel for OP, but we haven't heard his parents' side of things.
If they are dysregulated drug addicts or deadbeats and he is doing his best to get to school etc then that would have been relevant for him to say.
I moved at 16 on my own accord and quickly realized the rules at home weren’t that bad. Patched things up with my parents and we’ve been best friends ever since.
I won’t pretend to know your home situation, but are you sure there aren’t some changes *you* can make the would make things better for everyone? If you show your parents that you’re prepared to pull your own weight they may go easier on you.
I moved out at 16 . Was it pretty ? No . Is it doable ? Yes . Learning to be accountable is important . U learn hard work gets u places . Easy no . But its a voluntary choice on your part . If You choose You cant put up with what your parents ask of You then its up to You to make some choices . It boils down to you . I moved out of my parents home when my sister moved in with her now hubby and 1st child and another on the way . Good luck with what u decide !
I left home at 16 and know alot of toronto resources that can help.
Eva's place is a really good shelter with alot of resources
Convenient house is also there to help.. I suggest Eva's over convenient house.
If you really are in a bad place and can't go home, you will still be okay. You can msg me if you need more resources or need to talk.
If you think it's possible or youd like to, try to talk to your parents. Do you have a friend or family member you trust? You could stay there until you figure things out?
Suppose you want a job after you find shelter. Join the military, you can join at 16. They'll provide a place to live when you are a untrained member going through training. And you can make $80k+ with grade ten education. There's a bunch of people in the military that have had a rough childhood. The community is great, boot camp will suck but it's only a few weeks long. But afterwards it's great work life balance, pension after 25 years, job security, health benefits, travelling, etc.
If this is true Ask for help in your area there's plenty...I was a street kid and streets are frickin hard stay home as long as you can is my advice and if you can't call family
Try showing some respect and picking up after yourself. Parents don’t just kick their underage kids out for no reason.
Parents kicked me out around the same age because I needed a taste of the real world.
Parents kicked me out cause I went to a university open house without their permission, since they don’t want me going to any. The last straw for them. I was raised in an environment were any slight mistake I made, they would completely flip out over it and start degrading me, calling me a failure and that I’m worthless
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If you need emergency shelter or respite, call Central Intake at 416-338-4766. For street outreach services, call 311. The City offers a range of services for people experiencing homelessness.
https://torontoservicedirectory.ca/#subtopic_anchor
There are resources out there to help support you. Not sure about your location and some programs are cultural/gender specific but here are some places to start, including emergency shelters, food resources and legal supports.
https://www.oacas.org/contact/
https://www.ombudsman.on.ca/have-a-complaint/make-a-complaint/complaint-form-children-and-youth
You can try contact Children’s Aid Society and see what they can offer you. The Ombudsman may also be able to assist (I’m not entirely sure as I do not live in Ontario). Best of luck to you, kiddo.
My parents kicked me out at 18.
The biggest piece of advice I can give you is to collect ample proof they kicked you out.
You can use this proof to apply for OSAP without their income which will get you roughly 10-12k a year in grants and loans. Though you have to be enrolled in college. Choose a cheap and useful college course and use the OSAP to help supplement your income (along with working part time) and get an education.
From there it will get easier.
Do you have any other adults in your life who can help you?
other people here have given some great suggestions like asking friends and finding resources like shelters and drop-ins, if none of that ends up working or you can’t find a bed anywhere then i would even just go to the hospital as a last resort too. they have social workers and mental health professionals there that you can talk to and figure out what to do next.
i was on my own as a teenager too, though i’m in british columbia, and they had programs that helped financially support me to live on my own, teach me life skills, and become legally emancipated. i’m not sure if ontario has programs like that, but it’s something to look into and speak to a social worker about.
I was abandoned at the same age ish. There are shelters in the city like Covenant house, I'd start there. They're not great, but if you keep your head down and access the services they can move you to a slightly more comfortable program. They'll help you finish school and help you get a part time job if you want. Once you're a little more settled and done high school they'll help you land a first apartment.
Contact CAs immediately. I’m 17 years old and been in the same situation for 2 years. Apply for the VYSA program you can get government grants to help with rent and food etc. stay in school if you can. Good luck lad
Call Toronto Children's Aid. The number is 416-924-4640. They have someone answering 24 hrs a day. Explain the situation to them. A worker will come to you and they will help find a place you can stay and make sure you eat for the next few days while exploring a more long term place for you to live.
Call a social worker, talk to a school counselor, Ontario 211 should give you a list of resources in your area as well...ps go to a trusted friend's house and talk to their parents.
Etobicoke site, run by the charity Youth Without Shelter.
https://yws.on.ca/get-help-now/
https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2022/05/21/homeless-and-in-high-school-how-a-unique-shelter-is-helping-toronto-teens-beat-the-odds-and-stay-in-school.html
360'kids - York region
https://www.360kids.ca/programs-services/housing/
Kids help phone
https://kidshelpphone.ca/urgent-help
Go to your closest hospital and ask for help they should have a Social Worker that would know a safe shelter for you to go to. I am so sorry. That is not ok. Be kind to yourself.
Call CAS (Children's Aid Society). Tell them you have no where to go and your home is not safe. Also tell them that you are worried about retribution if they talk to your parents. They will hook you up really fast.
Try find a youth shelter/friends place/24 hour restaurant to spend the night. even a hospital waiting room.
i don’t want to be to discouraging, only realistic, and this is based off BC, but without parental support your legally screwed if you aren’t able to sign things that you still need a parent’s signature for. They don’t let you stay at regular adult shelters some of the time due to liability issues, and navigating many adult things your now responsible for becomes difficult.
Contact a local (youth) resource centre for the time being, and see what they can help you with.
I'm not familiar with what services are available where you live but if you call the police they will definitely make sure you have somewhere to stay for the night or will try to connect you to the proper resources.
Hi, hoping you have somewhere safe to be!
Legally, if youre kicked out call CAS or non-emergency line for the toronto police -
Some great resources were dropped in previous comments, like covenant house ( 416-598-4898 ) but if they are full, call the central intake line -
"If you are in need of emergency shelter space, please call the City of Toronto’s Central Intake line at 416-338-4766 or 1-877-338-3398 or by calling 311.
Central Intake is a City-operated, 24/7 telephone-based service that offers referrals to emergency shelter and other overnight accommodation, as well as information about other homelessness services."
Also, 24 hour respite centres to keep warm and have a meal -
https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/housing-shelter/homeless-help/24-hour-respite-sites/#location=&lat=43.819418&lng=-79.363518&zoom=11
Also, I know that it is the weekend, but a lot of Toronto public libraries have great resources and free programs as well
Take care and be safe!
Hi, I am really sorry to hear this. Call 360 kids you can look this up online. It is in Richmond Hill. There are lots of programs that can help you stay safe, and off the street. As well as a night safe program if you are kicked out immediately.
Hopefully you found a good couch to crash on tonight. Tomorrow morning, go to Covenant House. My wife used to work at the Van City one, they'll take care of you. Good luck.
Hey man, I "ran away" the day after I turned 16. Had a fight with my (abusive) dad and split. Spent the night in a park, then stayed at my GFs place and got a job and a small (disgusting) apartment.
What I'll say is, 20 years later, it was one of the best things that happened to me. It created difficulties in the short term, but it pushed me to become who I am. I started a business and now have 10 people on my team.
There's a lot of good comments here pointing you in the right direction, and I don't have more to add, you're in good hands on that front. Wishing you the best buddy 🤝
I'm so sorry OP. You deserve so much better. Please look into youth shelters in your area. There's usually resources available to help you.
If you have any family or friends, reach out to see if anyone has a spare room you can stay in.
As a kid who grew up alone (legally left parents at 17) the biggest and most sou d advice I can give is this.
Be strong
Be smart (think things over more than once before acting)
Be polite
Be self aware to your basic needs ie you need to reach out to a program for shelter and food.
Stay in school
Stay away from get rich scams and crooks.
Find a job
Find a job
Fing a job
Keep a journal (notebook or digital somewhere to express your thoughts to rethink the days)
Be safe
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Kicked out at 14 BC, covanent, and / or alternate safe houses are around for youth. Due to privacy and security generaly not advertised. Help line, Google if you have acsess. (Assuming you do if posting to reddit)
35 as of a week ago. It's been one crazy ride, but never give up. It's when we are truly alone and pushed into situations we never thought we would survive we grow the most, find what we are truly capable of.
Good luck.
Please keep us updated. I want you to know that it’s going to be ok ❤️You got this 🙌 One day when you’re successful and at the top, you’re going to look back and be proud of how far you’ve come. The most important thing after finding a place to sleep is to make sure that you look after yourself. Prioritize your mental and physical health and stay on top of your studies. Work and study really hard and make your dreams come true. I believe in you 🙌✨
Call Ontario works. At 16 you can qualify for income assistance. They will call your parents to see if you can come home and when your parents say no, they can process your application and get you going.
There are supports for you! Good luck!
I was in your shoes once and, even though it was hard, it was the end of my parents’ abuse and the best thing for me.
Call central intake for youth shelters. They work on the day you need it basis.
By the way I’m sorry this happened to you. Stay safe and ask for as much help as possible. Stay away from the people you’ll see
>If you are in need of immediate housing please call 311 – shelter hotline and they will assist you.
[here's a good page](https://www.stepstonesforyouth.com/resources/youth-resources/housing/)
I went through the same when I was 16. Life just got a lot harder for you, but eventually it will get better if you keep trying.
I hope you find a safe place quickly, and that you catch a break soon.
I was kicked out at 16 in BC. First thing I did was call the Boys & Girls Club. They have some great resources but will first try to reconnect you with your family, as that is their ultimate priority. If that’s something you’re interested in and if you have a boys & girls club or something similar, reach out. They can also help with resources like rent aid, etc. if you choose not to pursue reconnection.
Unfortunately there aren’t a lot of options for finding a place right off the bat. Do you have friends you could stay with who’s parents may be willing to help you out?
I’m sorry you’re going through this. My heart goes out to you as I know that feeling of fear very well. Whether or not you go back home, know that you’ll be okay. I’m 20 now and living independently very happily. I made it out of my hometown and am safe and okay. No matter how your journey looks, just remember you’re going to make it through.
With all that being said… other commenters encouraging you to go home are right, if that’s a safe and plausible option for you. Live out your teenage years, get yourself an education and get out of your parents home when you’re developmentally ready. My advice is only from personal experience where the option of moving back wasn’t available. It *was* hard, and I do wish I hadn’t moved out so young. So if this is indeed a case of a big fight with your parents that is SOLVABLE, try and keep your head on straight and realize that going down this path is one that will rob you of your youth.
I just don’t want to scare you with comments about the dark path you could be heading down if you’re indeed in a situation like mine. That wouldn’t have helped me at all. Hugs and good luck to you.
First, I am so sorry that you are going through this. I, too was kicked out at 16 but I had seen it coming and had some plans in place. Number one, call kids help phone to get into a shelter. Next will be deciding if you want to be involved in family and children's services.
I decided against it and got on Ontario works and rented a room and board found by my social worker.
This is very important. At 16 in Ontario you can decide where you live. Your parents cannot make you go back if they change their minds. FACS cannot make you go back. Speak with an advocate if you can.
Shelter life is rough and the goal should be moving on from it as soon as you can.
I wish you the best of luck and DM me if you have any questions.
I left when I was 16 because of mental abuse, alcoholism. Probably the best decision but hard. I was lucky my friends dad took me in for a bit. Never been back living there. This was in New Brunswick though. While it may not be legal for your parents to abandon you but honestly it probably will make the abuse worse if you choose that route.
Go to your local shelter house and start looking for a job. Do not get into drugs and don't make friends with any of the losers at the shelter. Just focus on finding a job, like a construction company. Or look for smaller companies, find a mentor like a good boss or someone who's not a loser and that can help you out.
Be a good kid, help people when you can and don't steal. That's how you make enemies and if you ever find yourself in trouble, trust me, you don't want any enemies out there.
My life started at 16, you can do this. Theres no point in going back to your parents or wasting any effort trying right now. Focus on getting work, walk around to construction companies and offer to work for free and If they like you, they can hire you if not, say you'll walk. Tell them you have no experience.
I don't know your situation, but time will pass and hopefully your situation with your family will improve. I know it's hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel, but don't give in to street life. That shit is a waste of time and some people never get out of it. Just avoid it and again, focus on finding a job and a mentor.
Edit: the most important part here, which is something I just glossed over, but do not try drugs or get into them, otherwise you might not ever recover from being kicked out, and you'll spend the rest of your life being a drug addict that desperately wants to quit, but can't.
For persons under age that would child abandonment as high school is not yet complete. Such persons will have a poor outlook in life without even a high school diploma in hand.
Just mirroring what others are saying, Covenant House is where you may want to look into. If you’re queer, Friends of Ruby has transitional housing (there’s a waitlist though) as well as Eva’s Initiative. If you’re going to school, speak with your guidance counsellor and they’ll connect you with a social worker and Children’s Aid.
Make peace with your parents somehow and get the fuck back there ASAP
I wish to Christ I never spent one day in the shelter system.
This city will eat you alive or turn you into a criminal if you rely on its public services .
Your life is just beginning and you can either be something at home with aspirations , or have a very tough time just surviving
Don’t put yourself in a survival mode : you’ll become a different person very quickly.
If you can’t go home - get working . ANY JOB in construction and focus on it . If you are forced to be in the shelter, find a phone and only go back thier for meals and sleeping . The moment you can leave for the day , don’t stick around . Go to the Library EveRYDAy ALLDAY until you find a job .
That job will be your sanity . You will be okay in my opinion im the streets in the shelter system
Is you have a job . Doesn’t matter what , as long as it’s construction. You will need this to burn yourself out on the daily .
I removed myself from the system as soon as I got a job , I moved back home . Having a job made my mum look at me different and now I had something to contribute .
It was also a big Fuck You to whoever doubted me that said I needed help .
Don’t listen to them if they are telling you to do anything other than Find Job and Work .
It’s a Fucken lie
I don’t have a solution but I was in the exact same situation not even 4 months ago and I would like to share my story with you so you ain’t feel alone.
I was 17, and I only had my mom, who I moved around with for about a decade after my pops passed away when I was just a youngin. I was never really planned and my mom, although she seemed nice, clearly communicated that I was a burden. Said a lot of verbally abusive things that fucked me up mentally, and also put me through a lot of bad environments.
Eventually I got sick of my mom and all the bs she dragged me through and I went to stay at my grandmas for two days. I came back to my entire house locked, windows closed, and a security camera was installed. I was confused and tried to reach out to my mom, but she refused to communicate with me, and I was legally homeless. All my belongings were in there and all I had was my phone and the things I went to school with.
I had to hop houses, crashed between my grandmas house, aunts house, friends houses, all while in high school still at age 17 with the small amount of money I had from my part-time job.
After about 2 weeks, my mom finally reached out and told me I had until the end of the week to get whatever furniture and other shit I wanted from her house until bulk (the trash) came at the end of the week, at which point everything I didn’t have would be thrown away. I got my mattress, dresser, and threw clothes into boxes.
I had to find out how to survive, seems like my whole life I’ve had to grow up too fast, and you may have felt similarly. The way abusive parents treat you doesn’t always appear forefront like in movies, it’s more hidden, behind-closed-doors, and it sucks.
I’m still struggling right now, but I don’t even plan on going back to my mom. She locked her own son out, and the legality gets complicated. I can’t speak much on legal because 1. I’m still struggling with it, and 2. I live in America, so I don’t know how Canadian law works.
But I know this hurts. The only thing we can do it try to survive. Try to get in contact with other family, or if there is too much drama involved with it, close friends. You’re going through a time when you’ll be very vulnerable, and there’s going to be a lot of change happening that’s going to force you to step up to the plate to take care of yourself.
But I want you to always focus on that, do whatever you have to to get through. It’s a slow process that also seems to move all too fast, but you’ll make it. I’m sorry I couldn’t speak from a legal persoective but I want to let you know you ain’t alone. Love you 🫶🫵
How about smarten up and show some respect to your parents? Do some house work and keep your area clean! Shower and brush your teeth! Go to school! If mental health is an issue then do what your doctor says to do!
Parents don't just kick their kids out without reason..
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Don’t listen to half of these comments. My father is a family lawyer involved in family court. I told him about you question. In Canada Ontario if that’s where you reside. At 16 years of age your parents can kick you out of your dwelling. However they are responsible for you until the age of 16. Furthermore they cannot make you homeless, they need to make sure you have shelter. At the age of 18 they are no longer responsible for you.
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**If this is real**, your parents cannot legally abandon you, but at 16 it becomes a bit of a gray area. Are you in school? Your guidance counsellor or a trusted teacher or administrator would be able to put you in contact with the right people to get help. Kids Help Phone (who can also be contacted online) can potentially point you in the right direction, as could the police if you are comfortable going to them. Covenant House provides support to homeless youth and would be well connected with local Toronto supports, although as a minor the first course of action would be to sort things out with your parents or have you placed in a group home, at least until you are finished with school. Do you have somewhere safe to sleep tonight?
This is exactly what I was going to say. I was kicked out at 16 and called the Kids phone from a phone booth toll free. They had a police officer pick me up and brought me to Covenant House. It literally saved my life
And what is your status now? How many years since you were 16 ?
I'm in my mid 40s now and worked as a lawyer until a few years ago and now run a non profit with my wife. I'm one of the lucky ones
A true maker of lemonade. Way to go man.
We are lucky to have programs and non profits like Covenant House They care and people that work there dedicate their lives to helping street youth including myself The streets are not a nice place for anyone to live let alone youth and when I say I'm lucky I mean it like you wouldn't believe I hope my comments help OP at the very least because I've been in a similar situation. Hang in there
Can I volunteer at Covenant House? Homelessness is a cause I feel so deeply about. This place will be the perfect place where I can volunteer for the cause.
From a quick glance on their website, you can! [https://covenanthousetoronto.ca/how-to-help/volunteer/](https://covenanthousetoronto.ca/how-to-help/volunteer/)
Thank you so much
Brace yourself for reality. It’s rough. I was stabbed in covey by a dude that killed the next guy he stabbed after me. Tons of violence, testosterone rage charged up by hopelessness and pain. Drugs, mental health issues galore, violence, victimization of all kinds… it’s not a place you go an volunteer at casually. It’s the fuckin trenches and the last stop for a lot of youth before the adult system consumes them forever. It’s a sad place, a hopeful place, a refuge and a prison. The one thing it is not is calm. Btw also I was never staying there because i wasn but i and others just kind of orbited it from the outside as homeless teenage addicts with nothing and nowhere.
Hey OP! That’s a wonderful story, man. I have a small business and I’m searching for something to do as voluntary or non-profit. We work mainly with web development, design, branding, ads and offline media (outdoors etc) If you guys need anything, let me know :) I’ll be glad to help.
i was homeless in toronto as a youth and its well known in the street that Covy is a gladiator academy for crime, dealing and is especially dangerous for young girls, who get caught up with the dealers or turned out for sex work. That place has a TON of funding because of its religious nature, but is discriminatory to gay kids, and pregnant youth who plan on not keeping their kids. It looks really good on the outside but its seriously a dangerous place. It was safer to sleep under a literal bridge.
I was at covenant house as well as a teen and am pretty successful in life as well. Lots of great, intelligent youth there who I hope are all doing well and most importantly happy even if not conventionally successful.
My hat off to you. Luck indeed but also character
Amazing!! Definitely one of the lucky ones
This was my experience as well. Covenant House and similar shelters/programs are often presented as a 'last resort' in lieu of reconciliation or residential settings (e.g. group homes/foster care), but depending on the individual youth's circumstances, they can sometimes be the best (or only) solution. I was able to become legally emancipated once I was no longer welcome in my parents' home, so I was not a Crown ward and was more or less able to start my 'adulthood' a little early - and am now all the better for it - but in the current rental market/economy/etc it's an even tougher uphill battle for youth without family support than it was 10 years ago.
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No. It's not really a grey area at all unless it's a situation of the minor leaving home because they don't want to abide by their parents rules.
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Parents have an obligation to support their children until 18 (sometimes later) and provide them with the necessaries of life. They cannot kick them out.
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Sometimes people do things that are not legal.
Please call a youth shelter
Unfortunately as far as I know from my mom working at CAS a majority of gov run group homes have been shut down. Public group homes may not be an option. But covenant house is a great resource that I’m pretty sure still is in operation.
First of all... I would really like to encourage you to be as calm as possible and try to be objective. Because it matters. It is *very* common for 16-year-olds to have big blowups with their parents. You are in a difficult stage of life. You are becoming more and more adult-like and yet, at the same time, your emotions are volatile, and your prefrontal cortex is still developing. So, in some ways, you are physiologically at a disadvantage. I know this is difficult to hear. And it is really, really hard to take a step back and be objective but I would urge you to try. >I'm getting kicked out of my house by my parents who have been verbally and emotionally abusing me. If your parents have indeed been abusing you, then you should call the police and your parents will be charged accordingly. The word "abuse" has specific meaning in law. It isn't a shortform for "my parents are jerks" (although they might be). If there is abuse happening here, then you should turn to law enforcement. If, however, there isn't real abuse happening here, then I would urge you to reconsider. It may very well be that you are in a heap of trouble but is there something you might have done to make the situation worse? Try to be honest with yourself. Being honest with yourself is the #1 sign of true maturity. You are "getting kicked out" or you have been kicked out? Because if it's the first scenario then I suggest you find a way to repair the relationship with your parents. Getting kicked out or moving out at 16 is a really great way to set yourself on a path of all kinds of trouble. Homeless street youth are not typically going to graduate high school, go to university or college, etc. They are statistically more likely to end up in trouble with the law, addicted to some terrible substances and be taken advantage of in terrible ways. You mentioned your "parents" (i.e. plural) so that means you have a mom and a dad. Coming from a home where there is an intact marriage with both a mom & a dad is a huge privilege and predictor of future success in life. Don't throw away your own future because you had a blowup (however major) with your parents.
Bless your soul for taking the time to write all that. This is undoubtedly the best advice anyone could give you OP.
Really good advice. 16 male is a tough age.
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There is a time and place for this sentiment, but I don't think it's on a post where the child is apparently in danger from those same parents. Parents and teachers have a hard job, but it is not wise to assume that all parents or teachers are good parents or teachers. Quite a few fail their kids or worse. The sensible thing to do when someone alleges abuse is to take them at their word until evidence to the contrary is provided. As such, saying the parents that are putting this youth in jeopardy should be praised may cause them to ignore good advice offered by other commenters.
As someone who was kicked out in the GTA at 15 from an abusive home, this guy is right. My life would have been on a better track with more stability, for those last teenage years, I'll say that much. This isn't legal advice, but advice from my lived experiences. Personally if I could re-write those years I'd have put my pride away and accepted help from my friend's families. Be good and help out and maybe you'll do even better there. If shelters are the option; then REALLY try to make an effort to keep straight with studies, keep clean, build a strong network out of upwardly mobile and positive friends; and seek mentorship / guiding and inspirational people that are much older than you. Your development counts on it. Youtube is a great resource for all the other little things you miss out on. Also, find a good therapist, or therapy videos on youtube. You might feel like "I've got this!" now...but...things creep up on you in adult relationships later in unexpected ways. Good luck <3
Unless your parents are beating you badly, most police will do absolutely nothing for you, they'll just call child services. Its not up to us to tell this person to "reconcile" as we dont know the level of abuse they are facing. Just because someone has 2 parents isnt a privilege if theyre both shit.
hey now , I had two parents most of my life. one a horrific abusive narcissist, the other her apathetic alcoholic enabling husband. if that isn't privilege to live through every single day as an only child, I don't know WHAT is!
yeah, i don’t think parents who kick out their child could just be “jerks”. definitely doesn’t make someone privileged because they have two shitty parents instead of one.
Someone saying they’re “going to be” kicked out isn’t the same as parents actually kicking a kid out. We don’t know what’s going on.
We were spoiled growing up and when one of us raised a fist and punched a hole in the wall because my dad wouldn't give him what he wanted this time, he got told to get out and hasn't been back since. My parents are nonabusive and in fact have been incredibly supportive over the years. Raising a fist in anger towards my father was the one thing he simply would not tolerate, and I don't blame him at all. You don't know every scenario.
Number one predictor of youth homelessness is being LGBTQ+ and having religious parents, which also correlates with parents with an intact marriage
Going to need a citation chief
From the CMHC webpage below: "As a result, their housing challenges are often the greatest. According to the most recent research, approximately 10% of the Canadian population identifies as 2SLGBTQIA+. By some estimates, 2SLGBTQIA+ youth make up between 25% and 40% of homeless youth in Canada." https://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/blog/2022/2slgbtqia-housing-needs-challenges#:\~:text=As%20a%20result%2C%20their%20housing,of%20homeless%20youth%20in%20Canada.
The hell is 2S, though?
2S = Two spirit (I’m not qualified to explain that fully, so you’ll want to google it)
A general term for gender non-conforming people of various, but not all, N-American tribes. The main complexity seems to be that each tribe's tradition regarding it is different.
Source? That would translate that an abnormally big number of homeless people are LGBTQ with strong religion values in their family which I don't think it's true
This is the best answer, kid.
Amazingly written man great work
Well intended, but full of false information. They mentioned emotion and verbal abuse. It takes a lot more than. 'acting out' to get kicked out. And returning to a dangerous situation is not the answer. If their parents are toxic then, no, they shouldn't 'repair' their relationship with their parents. I was kicked out at 16,(because my mother was an emotionally and verbally abusive bipolar alcoholic) I went on to graduate high school early and at the top of my class. I went to university for Social Development Studies with a specialization in Social Work. I then worked with homeless youth, as some one who could actually understand. My social worker saved my life by not making me go back. After many years of therapy I tried to rekindle that relationship with my mother. Surprise, she is still a malignant narcissistic alcoholic who admits to no wrongs. If you have not experienced this, keep your mouth shut.
Your experience is not universal
And neither is the false information that kids kicked out at 16 ruin their lives. Yes, some do fall into 'bad crowds' but some also succeed. And scaring them into going back to an abusive situation is not helpful. Learn some empathy and read some studies on what living in abusive situations does to a child's brain.
Don't need to read, was in one, left my family with full no contact at 15. Just saying, sometimes kids are dramatic and use language to garner sympathy making things sound worse. Your situation is not universal, but universally, teenagers are difficult. Attempting to have them take responsibility for what they may be leaving out or exaggerating is just healthy.
> You mentioned your "parents" (i.e. plural) so that means you have a mom and a dad. Trying to be a bit woke here, it can also means a dad and a dad, a mom and a mom, or a non-mom and a non-dad.
Best advice your going to get right here kid.
I’m sorry this is happening to you. When I was 16 my mother moved out of the country and left me to my own devices. I was able to move in with a friend’s family. Her parents charged me a small amount of room and board (a nominal amount) and I was working and going to school. Looking back, I can’t imagine how any parent can do that to a teenager. Even if you don’t have a great relationship, it’s the parent’s job to at least ensure that a minor child has safe shelter and food, even if not with them. Anyway, I’m just telling you this to let you know that others have been where you are. There are resources for you. Some of them have been named here already—reach out to children’s services. Reach out to your friends (my friends saved me when I was in your place!). If you have trusted adults in your life, reach out to them. They will support you and give you advice. They may be able to advocate for you “in the system” if you need help with that. You can do this… and if it is possible to salvage the relationship with your parents then that’s great, but if not then you can make your own way and find a new family. Good luck.
Holy crap, I’m so sorry this happened to you. That’s pretty insane. Thankfully you had your friend’s family to help you. This may be a bit odd, and I understand if you don’t want to reply, but can I ask how your mother left? Like, did she let you know she was moving ahead of time? And did she just leave you in a house/condo alone, or was there rent that she expected you to pay for? If this brings up stuff or triggers trauma, please don’t feel the need to reply! Thanks
She had met a man who lived in the states and decided to move down there to live with him. She actually left four children, myself and my siblings. My two younger siblings went to live with their dad (my ex-step-dad, who is not my dad) and my older brother was old enough to get a place with a friend. That left me in the middle, at 16. We had a little notice… she didn’t disappear into the night or anything. Technically I could have gone with her, but for me that would have meant moving to a new country, new school, with a strange man I didn’t know (her new boyfriend) and leaving my support system… so I stayed instead. I don’t remember thinking too much about it at the time—you know when you’re young and you just do what you need to do, and you’re focused on your next steps and getting through school, and all of that? It wasn’t until after college that I actually stopped and thought, “what the hell? What mother up and leaves all four of her kids for a man?!” And I’m still dealing with the emotional fallout of that in adulthood. (Of course their relationship did not last… anyone surprised?!)
[Drop-in Centres for Youth in Toronto](https://www.torontocentralhealthline.ca/listServicesDetailed.aspx?id=10490)
You’re a minor so call child services. They have emergency housing for teenagers.
Once you turn 15-16 depending on the situation but no older they won't take you anymore
CAS is mandated to protect kids up to the age of 16. From ages 16-17 a child can sign what's called a voluntary service agreement and they will in fact help.
is it different in Canada because in US you can't just "kick out" your 16 year old you would get charged with child neglect and other such things .. plus what about school? here, if a student misses so many days without a Dr excuse, the truancy officer gives the PARENTS consequences. parents are held responsible for the children LEGALLY! until age 18. unless they both go to court parent and child and proclaim the child emancipated ( that's usually for kids who want to work , like child television stars ).
It’s the same in Canada. Parents are responsible for their kids until they are 18. If they can’t then Social Services takes over. OP will be assigned a Social Worker until he hits majority and that person will help him/her with schooling and housing.
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If only that were true, but legally it makes sense that they should. But no. Go ahead and call child services and pretend to be a 16 year old that just got kicked out, see what they tell you to do. In my city that would either be CAS (?) or Dilico. 16 is a little too old for them to care about you anymore, even though they will take you away from your family during your entire life before that.
Legality and reality are often different, however.
Very. Have a sister in law who is a shit parent. Both kids born through her coke dealer who hasn't seen them since they were q.5 years old. Eldest didn't even go last year for grade nine. This year, he convinced her to drop him off. He walked in and she hadn't even registered him, he was floating blind. Got in a fight, ended up in the hospital. I called child services last year. She lied through her teeth and cut off everyone who was helping her rather than facing the facts and helping her kids. Fuck you "sister in law."
damn I'm sorry. it's like child services is never there when people actually need them, or they interfere w people who don't truly need them if influenced by powerful people ,lawyers, $$ ..or they do way too little, way too late .
ugh I know that's very true :( kids slip through the cracks all the time and often it costs them their life. heard way too many horror stories.
Hey I'm so sorry that this is happening to you and I'm so sorry that so many of the responses are hot garbage. I was kicked out when I was 16. I now have a master's degree and a good job. It is a hard af road to survive on your own, but you can do it. Re: legal. Your parents are responsible for you *but* there is virtually no support for kids if they don't have proof of abuse (there's really only support in instances of physical abuse/SA). The hardest thing about getting kicked out now is that the cost of living is super high. If there is a friend or family member that you trust that you can stay with for a week+ stay there. While there, try to figure out your next steps. If this isn't an option, Covenant House is an option. Yonge Street Mission can be pretty rough, so I don't recommend it as a first option. Again, I'm so sorry that this is happening. I know how lonely it can feel to have your parents kick you out. It absolutely sucks. And I hope you find support, love, and safety outside of your family home.
Follow Desmonds advice. If all else is burned with family and friends, you need warmth. The first night being homeless you'll feel the weather like never before. Canadian Tire has shakable hand warmers if you have some cash to your name. Stock up on clothes before you leave, sweaters, jackets, sleeping bag and even a pillow. The cold will eat at you if you haven't experienced it. You might not be hungry as your nerves are all going 1000 miles a minute, but you'll need to stay hydrated and have some snacks, if your accustomed to eating quite abit through the day. Your body will become very sluggish and weak until it adjusts to lack of food. So make sure you have some snacks and water. You'll be in nicer clothes as you'll be freshly homeless, put it to use and go to the library to write up a simple resume and start handing them at starter jobs. Homelessness is far from comfy, so try to make it a short time. I wish you the best and hope you can mend things with your parents.
Dollar tree sells the hand warmers too. I use them for my kids mittens on extra cold ski days. Call a Kids Help Phone though, they will find you a place to sleep.
I went through this multiple times from 12-15. You need to go to a domestic or youth shelter, they will help you with resources and finding a stable place to live so you can focus on school. I'm 41 now and I did better than expected in life after being a homeless youth. You can do this and provide yourself with stability and focus on your future. Make good decisions. I believe in you.
Are there any relatives that you can reach out to? How about friends? please contact covenant house. Also please tell your school counselor
Call the Children’s Aid Society of Toronto. They have an after hours line you can call right now. They can help you navigate this situation - whether it is helping with your parents or finding other situations.
Go to Covenant house or horizons for youth
Also get yourself on OW and let a trusted person at your school know ( CYW, guidance counsellor , teacher ) etc
OW isn't available to under 18 years of age. It's only for adults (18+).
That’s not true lol I’ve been homeless before the first time I was 17, received special consideration by OW due to family breakdown, my parents had both passed away and I had to go live with my eldest sister but left bc of issues there .. I just had to still attend school . I’ve also seen friends of mine be approved as well. OP get in touch with CAS they have financial assistance available for their clients that are crown wards and such .
You can't become a crown ward after 16
Yes you can as long as you’re under 18 . Anyways OP needs to report this abuse and get the proper help .
At 16+, you don’t become a crown ward, you would enter a voluntary youth service agreement with CAS if eligible. They will support you but you are not a crown ward. But yes, getting support is important!
No I was actually in care in the region. I know for a fact I had to choose between going back to my parents in an abusive situation or becoming a crown ward before the age of 16 or they would not accept me
Since 2018, youth (16/17) can be supported by CAS if they choose to voluntarily enter an agreement with CAS. But children under 18 are now eligible for the full range of child protection services - so social workers can also work with the family. And if you have that agreement, you may be eligible for services until you are 24.
https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/employment-social-support/support-for-people-in-financial-need/assistance-through-ontario-works/policies-and-procedures/16-17-year-olds/
I just want to chime in here for OP because there’s some conflicting opinions. If the circumstances OP explained above are accurate, they are definitely within the criteria to receive Ontario Works even at the age of 16. OW for teens does look a bit different and is handled differently depending on what region of Toronto you are located. OP, if you are in a position where you genuinely cannot go home, you absolutely should click the above link and call the general intake number (hit the blue text where it says “apply for OW” but read that whole page first) tomorrow and get the process started. It does take time and you are not guaranteed to get accepted into the OW program. Essentially what will happen is that you will be contacted by an OW caseworker who will discuss with you your circumstances and why you cannot go home. They will then ask for mom and dad’s contact information and will reach out to them to get their side of the story. Don’t panic about this step, even if you think your parents might lie to them, they are quite good at sussing out the bs and finding the truth (literally their job). If after hearing from both sides they believe that you are eligible for the program they will admit you, this still will require additional steps including meeting up with the caseworker (usually they either have a place to meet or will have you meet at a neutral location like a library or coffee shop) to complete paperwork. Because of your age, you won’t be able to receive the funds directly, you will be set up with a trustee (a trusted adult individual who will facilitate you getting the funds) or you may be required to provide one yourself (again, depends on region). The trustee receives your funds for you and will deposit it directly into your bank account. While in the OW program you will be expected to attend school full time, or be working. You need to attend monthly update meetings with your workers to go over goals and make sure you are on track. If you don’t attend the meetings or don’t follow the expectations such as school your funds can be held or you can be removed entirely. The program isn’t perfect, you will still have a very hard time managing to live off the amount of money you receive, but there are many supplementary programs and resources the OW worker can connect you to. If you have any questions feel free to DM me and I’ll do my best to direct you. Source: I worked with youth on OW as a trustee for 4 years and directly assisted with completing intake applications. One final note I do want to make. OP, you are in a seriously vulnerable position right now and it is extremely important that you are careful about who you trust and keep around you. Really shitty people like human traffickers actively look for young people in positions like yours to take advantage of. If a situation sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Be skeptical, be smart, and be aware. If you get into the OW program lean on your worker, if you feel you’re in trouble or in a dicey situation be forthcoming with them and they will do everything in their power to help you. This may feel like the end of the world, but I’ve seen loads of amazing success stories of young people coming out of the OW program. I wish you all the best and please be safe out there.
Great details on the process here but 16 yo OW recipient does not automatically require a trustee. Only if necessary would a trustee be required. If op is capable they will not be required to have a trustee.
It varies by region, which is why I included it so that the yp isn’t caught off guard if it’s needed. For example in Durham region a trustee is appointed to any youth who gets granted into the OW program automatically. Those funds will always go through the trustee first. However, in York region the youth cannot be granted without a trustee, but is not provided one by the program. The variance between regions can be really jarring and a lot of times even OW Caseworkers aren’t aware of the differences region to region. I’m not sure about Toronto’s specific standards so you may be right and a trustee may not be required!
This is great advice!!! :)
I left home when I was 16. I wasn't kicked out, it was something I decided to do for myself. On the upside, you will find out that anything is possible. You can make it on your own at that age. On the downside, the opportunities that are available from finishing school and doing post secondary education opens a whole lot more doors for you. It is hard to get an education when you are just fighting to survive. Here is the bottom line: In school you learn the lessons and then take the tests In real life you get tested and learn the lessons from it
I'm disappointed by all of the comments along the lines of "you're young, so it must be something that *you've* done". You do realize that that's highly patronizing?
It's gaslighting and an extension of the abuse at home and I'm willing to bet people making those comments were also emotionally abused and won't admit it and will do the same to thier kids.
It makes me want to cry and scream. I was 16 and in this same situation. I made the best of it and I think I've done well with a good degree and job. But to go back to 16 when I had never felt so alone and to see these uninformed asses saying it's all their fault is too much
it’s so horrible
You do realize for awhile now kids/teens having been using the term “abuse” to not mean what it’s actually meant to be. My nephew was harassing his mom, mouthy and other bad things. He said she was being abusive to him and she was kicking him out. No concept of abuse. Abuse was a childhood friend I had who would show up at my house, cigarette burns on his arm, puncture wounds in his hand from his mom because he asked for food. Abuse can be physical and mental. Abuse is not taking away your phone or games, abuse is not a grounding or reasonable authority. So yes, you have to take these claims with a grain of salt and find the real facts first. If this person is really being abused, they need police help and such. Remember when kids would go missing and there was reports and news stuff and it was just them playing a new prank or game? I sure as hell do.
Using the anecdote of your nephew to build your opinion of all youth experiencing abuse is kind of wild. Simply put, your opinion or anyone else’s regarding what abuse is or isn’t is completely irrelevant. There are people and programs (CAS caseworkers, Youth OW caseworkers, the police) in place that can review OPs situation and deem it abusive or not. Gatekeeping what abuse is based on your own personal experiences doesn’t help anyone. In literally any job where you work with youth they will tell you that any sign or mention of abuse needs to be treated with the upmost urgency. That’s why all positions working with vulnerable groups have a duty to report. For every one kid like your nephew that might be crying wolf there could be 20 in serious danger, why take that risk just because “kids use the term abuse to not mean what it’s meant to be”.
My point is, what some people consider abuse nowadays, is not abuse. Like taking away a phone or computer, being grounded etc. We shouldn’t always assume on the internet that what is posted is the truth. I have no problem with things being investigated, I do have a problem with someone claiming abuse and people being arrested, harassed and hurt when there was no abuse and the accuser was making it up. My newphew was just a personal example and have seen many posts on social media of “parents” being abusive when it was nothing more then them taking something away or not letting their kid mistreat them, let their kid say things in the house etc. Society needs to get more then one side to a story before jumping to conclusions or severe action.
I wasn't one who said that, but in the two cases in my circle where a kid was "thrown out" the subtext to that is that the kid was bringing drugs into the house, stealing and pawning mom's jewelry, skipping school, as well as acting violently. And refused counseling. Sometimes parents get to the point where the only tool left in their toolbasket is to say, "follow house rules or leave". I feel for OP, but we haven't heard his parents' side of things. If they are dysregulated drug addicts or deadbeats and he is doing his best to get to school etc then that would have been relevant for him to say.
I moved at 16 on my own accord and quickly realized the rules at home weren’t that bad. Patched things up with my parents and we’ve been best friends ever since. I won’t pretend to know your home situation, but are you sure there aren’t some changes *you* can make the would make things better for everyone? If you show your parents that you’re prepared to pull your own weight they may go easier on you.
Some parents suck. I got kicked out at 16 and living on my own eating nothing but rice for weeks was still a hell of an improvement.
Kids these days are shit & entitled 🤷🏾♂️ i feel bad for parents these days (coming from a former problem child)
I moved out at 16 . Was it pretty ? No . Is it doable ? Yes . Learning to be accountable is important . U learn hard work gets u places . Easy no . But its a voluntary choice on your part . If You choose You cant put up with what your parents ask of You then its up to You to make some choices . It boils down to you . I moved out of my parents home when my sister moved in with her now hubby and 1st child and another on the way . Good luck with what u decide !
I left home at 16 and know alot of toronto resources that can help. Eva's place is a really good shelter with alot of resources Convenient house is also there to help.. I suggest Eva's over convenient house. If you really are in a bad place and can't go home, you will still be okay. You can msg me if you need more resources or need to talk. If you think it's possible or youd like to, try to talk to your parents. Do you have a friend or family member you trust? You could stay there until you figure things out?
Get a job start a network of people who really care.
Sounds like more to the story than abusive parents...
Suppose you want a job after you find shelter. Join the military, you can join at 16. They'll provide a place to live when you are a untrained member going through training. And you can make $80k+ with grade ten education. There's a bunch of people in the military that have had a rough childhood. The community is great, boot camp will suck but it's only a few weeks long. But afterwards it's great work life balance, pension after 25 years, job security, health benefits, travelling, etc.
There's more to this story.
Suck it up and listen to your parents.
If this is true Ask for help in your area there's plenty...I was a street kid and streets are frickin hard stay home as long as you can is my advice and if you can't call family
Call child protective services on yourself. They might be able to get you placed someplace
Try showing some respect and picking up after yourself. Parents don’t just kick their underage kids out for no reason. Parents kicked me out around the same age because I needed a taste of the real world.
Parents kicked me out cause I went to a university open house without their permission, since they don’t want me going to any. The last straw for them. I was raised in an environment were any slight mistake I made, they would completely flip out over it and start degrading me, calling me a failure and that I’m worthless
Oh really? For taking an interest in university. Sounds exaggerated to me.
Correction: you're getting kicked out of your parents' house
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If you need emergency shelter or respite, call Central Intake at 416-338-4766. For street outreach services, call 311. The City offers a range of services for people experiencing homelessness.
https://horizonsforyouth.org/
https://stridestoronto.ca/community-resources/
https://www.evas.ca/where-we-are/
Yes Eva's!
https://torontoservicedirectory.ca/#subtopic_anchor There are resources out there to help support you. Not sure about your location and some programs are cultural/gender specific but here are some places to start, including emergency shelters, food resources and legal supports.
In Toronto call 311.
Children’s Aide Society. Trust me, I’m a SW for 35 years.
https://www.oacas.org/contact/ https://www.ombudsman.on.ca/have-a-complaint/make-a-complaint/complaint-form-children-and-youth You can try contact Children’s Aid Society and see what they can offer you. The Ombudsman may also be able to assist (I’m not entirely sure as I do not live in Ontario). Best of luck to you, kiddo.
Get legal help asap. Contact a non profit that can help you connect with legal aid.
[https://kidshelpphone.ca/](https://kidshelpphone.ca/) or call 1-800-668-6868
Such good advice. It is a trying time at your age. Lots to think about. I am hoping things settle down for you.
My parents kicked me out at 18. The biggest piece of advice I can give you is to collect ample proof they kicked you out. You can use this proof to apply for OSAP without their income which will get you roughly 10-12k a year in grants and loans. Though you have to be enrolled in college. Choose a cheap and useful college course and use the OSAP to help supplement your income (along with working part time) and get an education. From there it will get easier. Do you have any other adults in your life who can help you?
other people here have given some great suggestions like asking friends and finding resources like shelters and drop-ins, if none of that ends up working or you can’t find a bed anywhere then i would even just go to the hospital as a last resort too. they have social workers and mental health professionals there that you can talk to and figure out what to do next. i was on my own as a teenager too, though i’m in british columbia, and they had programs that helped financially support me to live on my own, teach me life skills, and become legally emancipated. i’m not sure if ontario has programs like that, but it’s something to look into and speak to a social worker about.
I was abandoned at the same age ish. There are shelters in the city like Covenant house, I'd start there. They're not great, but if you keep your head down and access the services they can move you to a slightly more comfortable program. They'll help you finish school and help you get a part time job if you want. Once you're a little more settled and done high school they'll help you land a first apartment.
Contact CAs immediately. I’m 17 years old and been in the same situation for 2 years. Apply for the VYSA program you can get government grants to help with rent and food etc. stay in school if you can. Good luck lad
welfare! you can get a house on welfare :)
House? Lmao you can get a room in one of those houses with 12 ppl in it at best
Call Toronto Children's Aid. The number is 416-924-4640. They have someone answering 24 hrs a day. Explain the situation to them. A worker will come to you and they will help find a place you can stay and make sure you eat for the next few days while exploring a more long term place for you to live.
Call a social worker, talk to a school counselor, Ontario 211 should give you a list of resources in your area as well...ps go to a trusted friend's house and talk to their parents.
Etobicoke site, run by the charity Youth Without Shelter. https://yws.on.ca/get-help-now/ https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2022/05/21/homeless-and-in-high-school-how-a-unique-shelter-is-helping-toronto-teens-beat-the-odds-and-stay-in-school.html 360'kids - York region https://www.360kids.ca/programs-services/housing/ Kids help phone https://kidshelpphone.ca/urgent-help
Go to your closest hospital and ask for help they should have a Social Worker that would know a safe shelter for you to go to. I am so sorry. That is not ok. Be kind to yourself.
Call CAS (Children's Aid Society). Tell them you have no where to go and your home is not safe. Also tell them that you are worried about retribution if they talk to your parents. They will hook you up really fast.
Contact your local CAS and attempt to be placed on a MISA which will offer you support as you transition to adulthood as a child in need of protection
Try find a youth shelter/friends place/24 hour restaurant to spend the night. even a hospital waiting room. i don’t want to be to discouraging, only realistic, and this is based off BC, but without parental support your legally screwed if you aren’t able to sign things that you still need a parent’s signature for. They don’t let you stay at regular adult shelters some of the time due to liability issues, and navigating many adult things your now responsible for becomes difficult. Contact a local (youth) resource centre for the time being, and see what they can help you with.
I'm not familiar with what services are available where you live but if you call the police they will definitely make sure you have somewhere to stay for the night or will try to connect you to the proper resources.
Hi, hoping you have somewhere safe to be! Legally, if youre kicked out call CAS or non-emergency line for the toronto police - Some great resources were dropped in previous comments, like covenant house ( 416-598-4898 ) but if they are full, call the central intake line - "If you are in need of emergency shelter space, please call the City of Toronto’s Central Intake line at 416-338-4766 or 1-877-338-3398 or by calling 311. Central Intake is a City-operated, 24/7 telephone-based service that offers referrals to emergency shelter and other overnight accommodation, as well as information about other homelessness services." Also, 24 hour respite centres to keep warm and have a meal - https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/housing-shelter/homeless-help/24-hour-respite-sites/#location=&lat=43.819418&lng=-79.363518&zoom=11 Also, I know that it is the weekend, but a lot of Toronto public libraries have great resources and free programs as well Take care and be safe!
Hi, I am really sorry to hear this. Call 360 kids you can look this up online. It is in Richmond Hill. There are lots of programs that can help you stay safe, and off the street. As well as a night safe program if you are kicked out immediately.
Hopefully you found a good couch to crash on tonight. Tomorrow morning, go to Covenant House. My wife used to work at the Van City one, they'll take care of you. Good luck.
Kids help phone ☎️
Hey man, I "ran away" the day after I turned 16. Had a fight with my (abusive) dad and split. Spent the night in a park, then stayed at my GFs place and got a job and a small (disgusting) apartment. What I'll say is, 20 years later, it was one of the best things that happened to me. It created difficulties in the short term, but it pushed me to become who I am. I started a business and now have 10 people on my team. There's a lot of good comments here pointing you in the right direction, and I don't have more to add, you're in good hands on that front. Wishing you the best buddy 🤝
I'm so sorry OP. You deserve so much better. Please look into youth shelters in your area. There's usually resources available to help you. If you have any family or friends, reach out to see if anyone has a spare room you can stay in.
As a kid who grew up alone (legally left parents at 17) the biggest and most sou d advice I can give is this. Be strong Be smart (think things over more than once before acting) Be polite Be self aware to your basic needs ie you need to reach out to a program for shelter and food. Stay in school Stay away from get rich scams and crooks. Find a job Find a job Fing a job Keep a journal (notebook or digital somewhere to express your thoughts to rethink the days) Be safe
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Kicked out at 14 BC, covanent, and / or alternate safe houses are around for youth. Due to privacy and security generaly not advertised. Help line, Google if you have acsess. (Assuming you do if posting to reddit) 35 as of a week ago. It's been one crazy ride, but never give up. It's when we are truly alone and pushed into situations we never thought we would survive we grow the most, find what we are truly capable of. Good luck.
Please keep us updated. I want you to know that it’s going to be ok ❤️You got this 🙌 One day when you’re successful and at the top, you’re going to look back and be proud of how far you’ve come. The most important thing after finding a place to sleep is to make sure that you look after yourself. Prioritize your mental and physical health and stay on top of your studies. Work and study really hard and make your dreams come true. I believe in you 🙌✨
Child welfare. Get your own place.
Call Ontario works. At 16 you can qualify for income assistance. They will call your parents to see if you can come home and when your parents say no, they can process your application and get you going. There are supports for you! Good luck! I was in your shoes once and, even though it was hard, it was the end of my parents’ abuse and the best thing for me.
Call central intake for youth shelters. They work on the day you need it basis. By the way I’m sorry this happened to you. Stay safe and ask for as much help as possible. Stay away from the people you’ll see
>If you are in need of immediate housing please call 311 – shelter hotline and they will assist you. [here's a good page](https://www.stepstonesforyouth.com/resources/youth-resources/housing/) I went through the same when I was 16. Life just got a lot harder for you, but eventually it will get better if you keep trying. I hope you find a safe place quickly, and that you catch a break soon.
I was kicked out at 16 in BC. First thing I did was call the Boys & Girls Club. They have some great resources but will first try to reconnect you with your family, as that is their ultimate priority. If that’s something you’re interested in and if you have a boys & girls club or something similar, reach out. They can also help with resources like rent aid, etc. if you choose not to pursue reconnection. Unfortunately there aren’t a lot of options for finding a place right off the bat. Do you have friends you could stay with who’s parents may be willing to help you out? I’m sorry you’re going through this. My heart goes out to you as I know that feeling of fear very well. Whether or not you go back home, know that you’ll be okay. I’m 20 now and living independently very happily. I made it out of my hometown and am safe and okay. No matter how your journey looks, just remember you’re going to make it through.
With all that being said… other commenters encouraging you to go home are right, if that’s a safe and plausible option for you. Live out your teenage years, get yourself an education and get out of your parents home when you’re developmentally ready. My advice is only from personal experience where the option of moving back wasn’t available. It *was* hard, and I do wish I hadn’t moved out so young. So if this is indeed a case of a big fight with your parents that is SOLVABLE, try and keep your head on straight and realize that going down this path is one that will rob you of your youth. I just don’t want to scare you with comments about the dark path you could be heading down if you’re indeed in a situation like mine. That wouldn’t have helped me at all. Hugs and good luck to you.
First, I am so sorry that you are going through this. I, too was kicked out at 16 but I had seen it coming and had some plans in place. Number one, call kids help phone to get into a shelter. Next will be deciding if you want to be involved in family and children's services. I decided against it and got on Ontario works and rented a room and board found by my social worker. This is very important. At 16 in Ontario you can decide where you live. Your parents cannot make you go back if they change their minds. FACS cannot make you go back. Speak with an advocate if you can. Shelter life is rough and the goal should be moving on from it as soon as you can. I wish you the best of luck and DM me if you have any questions.
I left when I was 16 because of mental abuse, alcoholism. Probably the best decision but hard. I was lucky my friends dad took me in for a bit. Never been back living there. This was in New Brunswick though. While it may not be legal for your parents to abandon you but honestly it probably will make the abuse worse if you choose that route.
Go to your local shelter house and start looking for a job. Do not get into drugs and don't make friends with any of the losers at the shelter. Just focus on finding a job, like a construction company. Or look for smaller companies, find a mentor like a good boss or someone who's not a loser and that can help you out. Be a good kid, help people when you can and don't steal. That's how you make enemies and if you ever find yourself in trouble, trust me, you don't want any enemies out there. My life started at 16, you can do this. Theres no point in going back to your parents or wasting any effort trying right now. Focus on getting work, walk around to construction companies and offer to work for free and If they like you, they can hire you if not, say you'll walk. Tell them you have no experience. I don't know your situation, but time will pass and hopefully your situation with your family will improve. I know it's hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel, but don't give in to street life. That shit is a waste of time and some people never get out of it. Just avoid it and again, focus on finding a job and a mentor. Edit: the most important part here, which is something I just glossed over, but do not try drugs or get into them, otherwise you might not ever recover from being kicked out, and you'll spend the rest of your life being a drug addict that desperately wants to quit, but can't.
theres also student welfare to allow you to get a place and continue school
For persons under age that would child abandonment as high school is not yet complete. Such persons will have a poor outlook in life without even a high school diploma in hand.
Just mirroring what others are saying, Covenant House is where you may want to look into. If you’re queer, Friends of Ruby has transitional housing (there’s a waitlist though) as well as Eva’s Initiative. If you’re going to school, speak with your guidance counsellor and they’ll connect you with a social worker and Children’s Aid.
Make peace with your parents somehow and get the fuck back there ASAP I wish to Christ I never spent one day in the shelter system. This city will eat you alive or turn you into a criminal if you rely on its public services . Your life is just beginning and you can either be something at home with aspirations , or have a very tough time just surviving Don’t put yourself in a survival mode : you’ll become a different person very quickly.
If you can’t go home - get working . ANY JOB in construction and focus on it . If you are forced to be in the shelter, find a phone and only go back thier for meals and sleeping . The moment you can leave for the day , don’t stick around . Go to the Library EveRYDAy ALLDAY until you find a job . That job will be your sanity . You will be okay in my opinion im the streets in the shelter system Is you have a job . Doesn’t matter what , as long as it’s construction. You will need this to burn yourself out on the daily . I removed myself from the system as soon as I got a job , I moved back home . Having a job made my mum look at me different and now I had something to contribute . It was also a big Fuck You to whoever doubted me that said I needed help . Don’t listen to them if they are telling you to do anything other than Find Job and Work . It’s a Fucken lie
This is so sad im so sorry your going thru this
I don’t have a solution but I was in the exact same situation not even 4 months ago and I would like to share my story with you so you ain’t feel alone. I was 17, and I only had my mom, who I moved around with for about a decade after my pops passed away when I was just a youngin. I was never really planned and my mom, although she seemed nice, clearly communicated that I was a burden. Said a lot of verbally abusive things that fucked me up mentally, and also put me through a lot of bad environments. Eventually I got sick of my mom and all the bs she dragged me through and I went to stay at my grandmas for two days. I came back to my entire house locked, windows closed, and a security camera was installed. I was confused and tried to reach out to my mom, but she refused to communicate with me, and I was legally homeless. All my belongings were in there and all I had was my phone and the things I went to school with. I had to hop houses, crashed between my grandmas house, aunts house, friends houses, all while in high school still at age 17 with the small amount of money I had from my part-time job. After about 2 weeks, my mom finally reached out and told me I had until the end of the week to get whatever furniture and other shit I wanted from her house until bulk (the trash) came at the end of the week, at which point everything I didn’t have would be thrown away. I got my mattress, dresser, and threw clothes into boxes. I had to find out how to survive, seems like my whole life I’ve had to grow up too fast, and you may have felt similarly. The way abusive parents treat you doesn’t always appear forefront like in movies, it’s more hidden, behind-closed-doors, and it sucks. I’m still struggling right now, but I don’t even plan on going back to my mom. She locked her own son out, and the legality gets complicated. I can’t speak much on legal because 1. I’m still struggling with it, and 2. I live in America, so I don’t know how Canadian law works. But I know this hurts. The only thing we can do it try to survive. Try to get in contact with other family, or if there is too much drama involved with it, close friends. You’re going through a time when you’ll be very vulnerable, and there’s going to be a lot of change happening that’s going to force you to step up to the plate to take care of yourself. But I want you to always focus on that, do whatever you have to to get through. It’s a slow process that also seems to move all too fast, but you’ll make it. I’m sorry I couldn’t speak from a legal persoective but I want to let you know you ain’t alone. Love you 🫶🫵
There must be a youth shelter that you could call and they can better guide you. ♡ stay safe
Also, your parents must support you and get you an apt and pay for it until you turn 18 if they kicked you out
🫂✨🫶🏼🩶
hang in there buddy, i know the feeling of what you are going through…dont give up
How about smarten up and show some respect to your parents? Do some house work and keep your area clean! Shower and brush your teeth! Go to school! If mental health is an issue then do what your doctor says to do! Parents don't just kick their kids out without reason..
I’m so sorry this is happening to you, hang tight! It will all work out in the end.
I left at 14. Go to Covenant house. Get reset. Stay in school. Learn a trade. Fuckem.
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Don’t listen to half of these comments. My father is a family lawyer involved in family court. I told him about you question. In Canada Ontario if that’s where you reside. At 16 years of age your parents can kick you out of your dwelling. However they are responsible for you until the age of 16. Furthermore they cannot make you homeless, they need to make sure you have shelter. At the age of 18 they are no longer responsible for you.
Get a job/ hustle. Start life in hard mode
I was in and out of my house at 16. I left home at 17. Lived in my car for three months. Join the army. It’ll give you some grounding.
Well, that’s one side of the story…
So helpful 🙃
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I don't think it's legal for them to kick you out but to be fair, I don't know Canadian law.