British Columbia

Strengthening Abilities and Journeys of Empowerment (SAJE) Program

Easy application

Tax filing not required

The Strengthening Abilities and Journeys of Empowerment (SAJE) program can provide support to young adults (ages 19 to 27, up to the end of the month of their 27th birthday) who had previous involvement with the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) or an Indigenous Child and Family Service Agency (ICFS Agency).

Through SAJE, eligible youth and young adults are able to access a range of supports, including:

  • Pre-and Post-19 Planning Supports through SAJE Navigators and Guides – [link to BW page]
  • Income Supports [link to BW page]
  • Housing Supports [link to BW page]
  • Health and Wellness Supports [link to BW page]
  • Life-skills, Training, and Cultural Connections Funding [link to BW page]

To be eligible for the Strengthening Abilities and Journeys of Empowerment (SAJE) program young adults between the ages of 19 to 26 (up to their 27th birthday) are eligible for SAJE if:

  • They reached their 19th birthday while on a Youth Agreement, a Continuing Custody Order or were under the personal guardianship of a director, OR
  • They achieved permanency between the ages of 12-19 (i.e., adoption after being in care),OR
  • They have 24 months of cumulative time in care between the ages of 12-19, in a range of in- and out-of-care statuses,OR
  • They were in a comparable arrangement under Indigenous law.

Use the SAJE Eligibility Check Form to learn which supports you may be eligible for.

To get more information about the SAJE program call 1-866-623-3001 or email [email protected].

Proof of legal status

A document showing citizenship or immigration status in Canada. For example:

  • citizenship certificate
  • confirmation document
  • record of landing, confirmation of permanent residence;
    • permanent resident card
    • visitor record
    • temporary resident permit
    • study permit
  • positive notice of decision
  • verification of status document
  • registration date with Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada
  • passport
  • foreign passport

Proof of  residency in Province

For example:

  • lease agreement
  • rent receipt
  • household bill
    • gas
    • electricity
    • cable television
    • telephone
  • driver's license
  • vehicle registration or car insurance
  • membership in social or professional organization
  • Other:
    • bank information
    • employment information

Contact a SAJE Guide or MCFD’s SAJE Provincial Support Services (SPSS) to find out more information about SAJE support funding:

Indigenous Child and Family Service Agencies (ICFSAs) may also have dedicated workers to assist Indigenous youth with planning for their transition to adulthood and accessing the SAJE program. If you are looking for an ICFSA please visit Indigenous Child and Family Service Agencies/Delegated Aboriginal Agencies in BC - Province of British Columbia (gov.bc.ca).

Last updated: May 30, 2025