What is the Ready, Set, Go! Program?
Ready, Set, Go! (RSG) is a program offered by the Ontario government through Children’s Aid Societies for youth leaving care at 18 to continue to receive support in the form of money and a social worker that is assigned to them. The focus of the RSG program is to support youth that lived in care to transition into adulthood.
Am I eligible for Ready, Set, Go (RSG)?
You are eligible for RSG if you are between 18 and 22 years old and:
- You were in extended society care immediately before you turned 18.
- You are a First Nations, Inuit or Métis youth, and were being cared for under a customary care agreement immediately before you turned 18, and your caregiver was receiving a subsidy from a society.
- You were a party to a Voluntary Youth Services Agreement with a society immediately before you turned 18.
- You received or were eligible to receive support from a society under the Renewed Youth Support program when you were 16 or 17 years old.
- You were in interim society care immediately before you turned 18 and you turned 18 prior to April 1, 2023.
- You were in extended care and a custody order was made on a status review that expired when you turned 18 (this is only the case if your caregiver does not receive a subsidy).
How do I sign up for Ready, Set, Go (RSG)?
If you’re eligible for RSG and would like to receive RSG support, you must enter into an agreement with a Children’s Aid Society by signing a RSG Agreement that describes the roles and responsibilities of you and of the CAS. The signed agreement in effect for 12 months. It will be reviewed and signed every year after that (if you want to) until you turn 23.
What financial support is available to me from Ready, Set, Go (RSG)?
If you are between 18 and 22 and transitioning from care, the Ready, Set, Go (RSG) program may provide:
- Monthly financial support that ranges from $500 to $1800 depending on your age and circumstance.
For youth who are employed and/or attending a post-secondary program, receiving training in skilled trades or an apprenticeship, there may be additional entitlements.
What kind of non-monetary support is available to me from Ready, Set, Go (RSG)?
The CAS will provide you support as set out in the regulation and the youth’s plan. Have a look at the Ready, Set, Go! Guide to see how children’s aid societies are trying to support youth to prepare for adulthood before the age of 18, and after the age of 18 through the RSG program.