For Humans
& Caregivers

Are you connected to, or interested in seeking a connection to, a Living Expert of child welfare aged 16+? Regardless of where you are at on your journey, we would love to get to know you.

Getting Started

We support Humans and caregivers who have made or would like to make meaningful connections with a Lived Expert of the child welfare system aged 16+.

If you have already made a connection, please contact us or keep scrolling to learn more about 1:1 support, community groups, and education sessions.

If you are interested in exploring if becoming a Human is right for you and/or your family, here is a general guideline on how you can get started!

Pre-Recorded
(90 Minutes)

Virtual Event
(90 Minutes)

8 Sessions
(3 hrs/session)

Self-directed
with support

It is important to note that participating in Never Too Late (NTL) programs and offerings does not guarantee that you will be connected to a Lived Expert. You can learn more about this at Making Connections at Never Too Late (NTL).

Already Connected to a young person age 16+ with living experience of the child welfare system?

*Human is the term Never Too Late (NTL) uses for the role of caregiver/parent. It comes from a lived expert of child welfare expressing that along with financial supports and services, someone who ages out of child welfare wants a human being who is not paid to be there in their lives. We use the term to respect that for many people the word family or parents are ones they are not comfortable using for these connections because of past relationships or trauma. Regardless of the words used, Humans are the unpaid, life long, safe, unconditional supportive connections.

Community of Peer Support

Permanency journeys are not linear, and they come with unique challenges and joys. Enduring and safe connections are best sustained by supporting Humans with 1:1 coaching, supportive peer-to-peer community groups, and ongoing educational opportunities that offer insight into trauma, permanency relationships, mental health and other topics.

To join our Community of Support, you must:

If you do not meet these requirements but believe you would benefit from being part of our Community of Support, please contact us. We are always happy to discuss options and share resources.

Peer-Based Offerings

1:1 Support

With a Never Too Late (NTL) Human coach who is also on a permanency journey with a Lived Expert to explore challenges and opportunities in connections.

Monthly Education
Offerings

To support continuous growth and learning and build competencies in relevant and related topics.

Community Groups

Where those on permanency journeys can receive support from each other and from Never Too Late (NTL) coaches.

Occasional Social Gatherings

Meant to offer opportunity for connection and building relationships within the community.

Peer-Based Collaboration Model

We use a peer-based collaboration model at Never Too Late (NTL). This means that coaches who facilitate 1:1 support and community groups are also Humans and we encourage Humans in our community to connect and share with each other. Having those who “get it” come alongside our journeys is important!

Core Principles of Peer-Based Approaches include*:

  • Mutuality and respect – a relationship based on shared experience, empathy, authenticity, and respect.

  • Reciprocal – where all contribute to and gain from the relationship in a shared process of problem-solving.

  • Non-directive – one person doesn’t ‘prescribe’ what is good for someone else. It enables a person to grow within and beyond what has happened.

  • Strengths-based – recognizes that people will have strengths and skills and these can be used in pursuit of objectives and ambition.

  • Inclusive – peer support can help engage with and contribute to communities.

  • Progressive – a shared learning journey of growth and development.

  • Safe – being able to express ourselves freely in a supportive relationship where all parties feel safe.

*Peer Based Approaches by Skills for Care UK

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • One of our most frequently asked questions! To learn more, visit the Making Connection page.

  • Yes, if you are already connected you can join our Community of Support. We will have an onboarding conversation with you to learn more about you and your connection. If you would like to join our community, please contact the Human Coordinator. 

  • Never Too Late (NTL) does not complete formal assessments such as Homestudies or offer PRIDE Training. For more information on these, please contact your local Children’s Aid Society or go to https://adoption.on.ca/.

  • No, Training for Humans was developed and created by Lived Experts, Humans and professionals connected to Never Too Late (NTL) and is specially geared towards those who are making connections to Living Experts ages 16+.

  • No, the Readiness Process is not a formal assessment.

  • If you are already connected to a Living Expert aged 16+, you may join our community prior to completing Training for Humans or participating in the Readiness Process. Once a part of our Community, you are welcome to attend Training for Humans or participate in the Readiness Process.

    For those who are not yet connected, PRIDE training and Homestudies cannot be substituted for Training for Humans and the Readiness process. Please contact us to ask questions and learn more about why these programs are required to join the Human community prior to connection.

  • Yes, we will work with families and individuals who may also be pursuing public, private or international adoption if you are seeking a connection with a Living Expert aged 16+ as part of that process. We require that you inform both Never Too Late (NTL) and your other agency about the parallel routes. It is essential that we are all working together for the safety and well-being of any Lived Expert. Please feel free to reach out to learn more.