The Manitoba government wants to ensure those who "age out" of the province's child- welfare system when they turn 18 aren't kicked onto the street without supports.

"These people often come from very vulnerable backgrounds," he said. "We don't even expect youth I think when they turn 18 that come from the best of circumstances to manage that transition to adulthood, to employment to independence without some support and without some strong family guidance."

Manitoba's Children's Advocate Billie Schibler said in many cases children leaving foster care need ongoing support until their mid-20s simply because their backgrounds don't give them the abilities to adjust to life on their own.