Child and Youth Advocate releases Annual Report

Press Release

November 9, 2016

Edmonton…Del Graff, Provincial Child and Youth Advocate, released the 2015-16 Annual Report of the Office of the Child and Youth Advocate (OCYA).

Over the past year, the OCYA has worked hard to improve its connections with young people, with government systems in Alberta including child intervention, youth justice, health, other stakeholders, and the public.

“Strengthening connections with young people will always be at the core of the work we do. The more connected we are, the better we can effectively advocate for young people.”

— Del Graff.

“Consistent connections create possibilities. With strong connections we are provided with the tools needed for creating a sense of belonging, a safe environment, security and a voice,” — OCYA’s Youth Advisory Panel.

This year’s Annual Report highlights the office’s major activities and outlines its efforts to encourage improvements in the child intervention system. We also heard from young people regarding how our office interacts with them and their perspectives on how we can continue to improve on the services they receive.

Some of these activities include strengthening connections with experts in child intervention and child development, so we are in a better position to advance the rights, interests, and viewpoints of children and youth in Alberta.

Included in this year’s Annual Report:

• Recognition of individuals and agencies who go above and beyond when assisting children and youth
• Staff perspectives on why they love the work they do
• Summaries of concluded reports on child death reviews and the serious injuries of young people

The report was tabled by the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly and outlines the work and activities of the Office of the Child and Youth Advocate during the reporting period of April 1, 2015 to March 31, 2016.

A copy of the Annual Report can be found under Publications at:
http://www.ocya.alberta.ca/adult/publications/annual-reports/.

To view progress on our Recommendations:
http://www.ocya.alberta.ca/adult/publications/recommendations/.

The Office of the Child and Youth Advocate is an independent Office of the Legislature, representing the rights, interests and viewpoints of young people receiving designated government services.

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Media inquiries may be directed to:

Tim Chander
Communications Manager
Office of the Child and Youth Advocate of Alberta
780-638-4064
tim.chander@ocya.alberta.ca

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