News & Blog

Updates from our community

Program news, community stories, resources for youth and families, and updates from the team at New Steps.

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How a Manitoba CFS worker refers someone to an Independent Living Program

Anyone can reach out, but moving in needs CFS involvement. Here is how a Manitoba worker refers a young person to an Independent Living Program, step by step.

October 12, 20268 min read

More Stories

Keys, a steaming mug and a closed notebook on a small kitchen table in soft winter-morning light.

Resources

Leaving care in Manitoba at 18: what s. 50.1 allows, and what an AYA is

Turning 18 in care doesn't have to mean support stops. What s. 50.1 allows, what an AYA is, and who to ask. A plain-words guide for young people and workers.

October 12, 20268 min

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Manitoba Legislative Building in Winnipeg on an overcast autumn day: stone columns, a dark dome with a small golden statue at the peak, a paved walkway, and empty grounds. No people.

News

Thirty days until Manitoba's interim CFS agreement standards expire

Manitoba's four new CFS agreement standards are interim and expire October 1, 2026. What that means for workers and young people leaving care.

September 1, 20264 min

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Empty caseworker desk after hours: stacked folders, a calendar with one date circled, a set of keys, winter light through a window.

News

Workers Who Run Manitoba Leaving Care Just Named the Same Gaps Again

A 2026 study asked 25 people who work Manitoba's leaving-care system what is broken. Birthday exits and a hard-to-use extension of care process keep landing on the list.

August 28, 20266 min

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Architectural rendering of the McMillan Avenue building — front entrance view with red brick facade

Program Update

What an Independent Living Program Is in Winnipeg — for Young People 16 to 21

You're 16 to 21 and you need a place. Or you're a worker who has to put a name on a referral this week. That's who this is for.

August 23, 20265 min

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News

'Surviving, Not Living': What Youth Say About Aging Out

A youth-led report just told Manitoba exactly what's failing about aging out of care. The findings are hard to ignore.

March 28, 20266 min

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Resources

Rights of Youth in Care in Manitoba: A Complete Guide

A comprehensive, youth-friendly guide to your legal rights in Manitoba's child welfare system — what they are, how to exercise them, and who can help when they're not being met.

March 19, 20267 min

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Resources

Transitional Housing Models That Work for First Nations, Métis, or Inuit Youth in Manitoba

Community-led transitional housing programs in Winnipeg are proving that culturally grounded, phased support helps youth aging out of care build stable, independent lives. Here’s what’s working in Manitoba right now.

March 17, 20265 min

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Resources

Extensions of Care in Manitoba: What Youth Need to Know Before the 2026 Deadline

Manitoba's interim CFS agreement standards expire October 1, 2026. Here's what extensions of care mean for youth aging out, what supports you're entitled to, and how to advocate for yourself before the rules change.

March 17, 20265 min

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Resources

Finding Housing After Aging Out of Care in Winnipeg

Every year, hundreds of young people in Manitoba age out of child welfare with nowhere to go. Here are the housing programs, supports, and steps that can make the transition to independence possible.

March 17, 20266 min

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Program Update

Setting Up Our Learning Centre

Our Learning Centre at the New Steps office is in development. Here is what we are setting the space up for and why it matters for our program.

February 20, 20264 min

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Resources

Aging Out of Care: What It Means for First Nations, Métis, or Inuit Youth in Manitoba

Every year, hundreds of young people in Manitoba age out of the child welfare system with little support. Here's what that looks like — and what programs like New Steps are doing about it.

February 10, 20265 min

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Program Update

Building Life Skills: How Cooking, Budgeting & Daily Routines Build Confidence

Life skills aren't just about learning to do laundry. For youth transitioning out of care, mastering everyday tasks is a powerful step toward independence and self-belief.

January 28, 20264 min

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Resources

Understanding Child & Family Services in Manitoba: A Guide for Community Members

The child welfare system can be confusing and overwhelming. Here's a plain-language overview of how CFS works in Manitoba and what it means for First Nations and Métis families and youth.

December 20, 20255 min

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