Stepping Up is a first-of-its-kind framework developed by the Government of Ontario to help guide, focus and maximize our collaborative actions to support young people.
Stepping Up defines what we believe matters most to our young people. It describes what we are already doing to support them and what we can accomplish by working better together.
Stepping Up is an evidence based framework, developed through existing research on youth development and in consultation across government and with young people and their allies. It builds on past consultations and recommendations from a range of reports and initiatives.
Stepping Up articulates the government’s sustained commitment to supporting the well-being of Ontario’s youth. Stepping Up’s vision, guiding principles and priority outcomes will influence how the government develops policies and designs programs relating to youth.
Stepping Up is also a call to action for those that look out for the well-being of young people in Ontario. It has been developed so that young people themselves, families, governments, foundations, philanthropic organizations, public agencies, charities, community organizations and private businesses can identify ways to help youth succeed.
Themes & Priority Outcomes
Health & Wellness
1 Ontario youth are physically healthy.
2 Ontario youth feel mentally well.
3 Ontario youth make choices that support healthy and safe development.
Strong, Supportive Friends & Families
4 Ontario youth have families and guardians equipped to help them thrive.
5 Ontario youth have at least one consistent, caring adult in their lives.
6 Ontario youth form and maintain healthy, close relationships.
Education, Training & Apprenticeships
7 Ontario youth achieve academic success.
8 Ontario youth have educational experiences that respond to their needs and prepare them to lead.
9 Ontario youth access diverse training and apprenticeship opportunities.
Employment & Entrepreneurship
10 Ontario youth have opportunities for meaningful employment experiences.
11 Ontario youth have the skills and resources needed to develop a successful career or business.
12 Ontario youth are safe and supported at work.
Diversity, Social Inclusion & Safety
13 Ontario youth experience social inclusion and value diversity.
14 Ontario youth feel safe at home, at school, online and in their communities.
15 Ontario youth respect, and are respected by, the law and justice system.
Civic Engagement & Youth Leadership
16 Ontario youth play a role in informing the decisions that affect them.
17 Ontario youth are engaged in their communities.
18 Ontario youth leverage their assets to address social issues.
Coordinated & Youth Friendly Communities
19 Ontario youth have access to safe spaces that provide quality opportunities for play and recreation.
20 Ontario youth know about and easily navigate resources in their communities.
To see the full framework: Stepping Up_a strategic framework to help Ontario’s Youth Succeed
For a two page summary handout see: steppingup-summary