Children's access to extracurricular learning opportunities varies according to family income. Labour Force Profile of Youth Teen unemployment has risen significantly. Less than half of teens had summer jobs in 1997, down from two-thirds in 1989. Young parents' employment rates and earnings dropped dramatically in the 1990s. However, more parents under 25 are attending school, improving their long-term earning potential.
Most homeless youth are unemployed.
An estimated 30 per cent have legitimate jobs. The rest turn to panhandling and the drug and sex trades. Policy Initiatives for Children and Youth The National Child Benefit came into effect in 1998. Each province has announced complementary initiatives to decrease child poverty and increase work incentives for low-income parents. Changes to the Young Offenders Act have been proposed to increase sentences for youth convicted of serious crimes.