Child and Youth Advocate releases two investigative reviews involving two deaths
Press Release
November 1, 2016
Edmonton…The Office of the Child and Youth Advocate has completed two Investigative Reviews involving the deaths of two young people and is publicly releasing the results of the reviews as outlined under the Child and Youth Advocate Act.
Onessa died by suicide when she was 17 years old. She had involvement with Child Intervention Services that ended approximately five months before her death. This review highlights the importance of protecting children from online sexual exploitation.
“I am extremely troubled by the number of young people who have died by suicide,” said
Del Graff, Provincial Child and Youth Advocate. “Suicide is preventable and resources must be dedicated to act on this issue now. The impact of youth suicide on young people, on family and communities demands it.”
The second review concerned Netasinim, who died in an accident when he was 15 years old. He was the subject of a Permanent Guardianship Order when he died.
“Potential systemic issues were identified at the start of the review process, however our investigation concluded that services and supports provided to Netasinim and his family were appropriate,” said Graff. “There were still challenges facing this young person and recommendations from our latest special report are relevant in these circumstances.”
It is critical that all of the recommendations are acted upon by government, so that the experiences of young people, their families and communities, in circumstances similar to those of Onessa and Netasinim, are improved.
The intent of an Investigative Review is not to find fault with specific individuals, but to identify and advocate for system improvements that will help enhance the overall safety and well-being of children and young people who are receiving designated services.
A copy of both Investigative Reviews and recommendations are available on our website: http://www.ocya.alberta.ca/adult/publications/investigative-review/.
The OCYA’s latest Special Report, “Voices For Change,” can be found here: http://www.ocya.alberta.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/SpRpt_2016July_VoicesForChange_v2.pdf
The Office of the Child and Youth Advocate is an independent office of the Legislature, representing the rights, interests and viewpoints of children and 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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