Summer Vacation is Almost Here! Supporting travel for children, youth, and young adults
Over the past year, we’ve received numerous consultation requests related to travel. While travel can be a rewarding life experience, it’s essential to ensure our clients have the necessary support to make safe and informed travel plans. As the warm weather is upon us and summer break is around the corner, many people are planning their out-of-country vacations.
I’ve been reflecting on what would be helpful in these final weeks before school ends. Two recent situations come to mind, each having very different outcomes. I’m sharing travel tips and recommendations, with a focus on child welfare professionals working with children, youth, families, and young adults who are planning to travel.
Recent Travel Stories
CWICE was consulted about a youth (age 17) receiving ongoing service. He had travelled outside Canada and quickly ran into a challenging situation. He reached out to his worker for assistance as he did not have accommodation in Europe. His return to Canada flight was two weeks away, and he needed immediate food and shelter. His ongoing service worker tried to help by engaging with his parents and maintained contact with the youth abroad. This young person had travelled on their own, with the knowledge and approval of their parents, however found themselves without support and basic necessities in another country. To say the least, this was an upsetting and stressful situation, and it was challenging to navigate from a distance. While he is now safe, this story highlights key opportunities to improve planning and avoid similar situations in the future.
In contrast, CWICE was also consulted about a youth (age 17) on a voluntary youth service agreement. He wanted to travel for his sibling’s destination wedding in the Caribbean. This youth’s family members and his worker helped him develop a plan and renew identity documents. They consulted with CWICE early in the planning process, and we went through extensive pre-travel planning with them. We also offered recommendations for him during his vacation and while he was returning to Canada. His trip was safe, and he was able to attend an important and memorable family event out of country.
Challenges for Children in Foster Care when Travelling
Children in foster care may face unique challenges while travelling, whether it’s on vacation, to attend recreational, school, or cultural events, or to visit extended family. Legal considerations include obtaining consent and authorization to travel, along with ensuring appropriate travel and identity documents are in place. Legal permissions are often required, and these are managed by child welfare professionals.
There are also financial constraints due to the high costs of travel. Yet, it is essential to ensure individuals have airfare, accommodation, meals, and health insurance coverage while outside Canada. Children and youth in care may face barriers as agencies have budget limitations that impact (or restrict) non-essential travel. As well, even if approved and budgeted, the pre-approval processes may take weeks or months. These administrative issues—both legal and financial—can take considerable time to coordinate and should be factored into the travel planning timeline.
At Peel CAS, a group of staff including CWICE staff developed a travel guide during the pandemic. Our staff continue to utilize the guide’s process to support the planning around travel requests. Starting the discussion about travel as early as possible is key.
We recommend several travel tips for children, youth, young adults, or families who wish to travel:
✔️ Consult CWICE as early as possible if the child/youth client was born outside Canada, is not yet a Canadian citizen, particularly if they are a refugee;
✔️ Together, we will develop a plan around the identity and travel documents needed based on entry and exit requirements of the other country(ies) and re-entry requirements for Canada;
✔️ We recommend checking the government of Canada’s travel advisories regularly, as they recently changed and are updated frequently: Travel advice and advisories - Travel.gc.ca;
✔️ Develop safety plans for transit countries and/or final destination country;
✔️ Purchase health insurance and obtain travel letters needed;
✔️ Schedule flights that arrive Monday-Friday during business hours as much as possible;
✔️ If children/youth are travelling alone, it’s recommended their flight itinerary have an added airline service of the Unaccompanied Minor program;
✔️ Retain digital copies of identity documents that are accessible during travel;
✔️ If eligible, register your travel with Global Affairs Canada;
✔️ Locate the closest consulate/embassy in your destination, and bring the consular emergency number - Request emergency assistance - Travel.gc.ca.
While these are some quick tips for any travelers, we recommend consulting for specific tailored advice.
Lastly, I recognize that travel broadens our experiences, however it can also be taxing. For some individuals, travel may heighten prior trauma, or feelings of displacement, anxiety, worry – especially if not well planned or supported. Emotional support for children and youth is vital. Preparing children ahead of time—by explaining what to expect at the airport or on a plane, and how to interact with customs officers—can ease their anxiety and improve their experience. At times, post-travel debriefs may also be beneficial particularly for older youth and young adults.
With that, I wish you all a safe and happy upcoming summer vacation!
To request CWICE consultation, please contact us: cwice@peelcas.org
For related links and news:
Request emergency assistance - Travel.gc.ca
Travel advice and advisories - Travel.gc.ca
https://dailyhive.com/canada/travel-advisory-updates-canada-2025
About the author:
Danielle Ungara (she/her) is a Registered Social Worker and a dedicated professional known for her creativity and commitment to excellence. As CWICE Manager, Danielle has brought innovative thinking and strategic leadership to the Centre of Excellence since its inception.
