OCYA-AB: Child and Youth Advocate releases special report on young adults leaving government care
Press Release
Edmonton…Alberta’s Child and Youth Advocate has completed a special report on the experiences of six young people who passed away over nine months in 2018, and had received support from Children’s Services through Support and Financial Assistance Agreements (SFAAs).
Within the same nine months, the Office of the Child and Youth Advocate (OCYA) responded to 102 young adults who requested advocacy assistance for difficulties related to SFAAs. Many had experiences similar to those of the six individuals who had passed away. As a result, the Advocate decided to examine the supports and services young people receive as they enter adulthood.
“The circumstances of the six young people who passed away are tragic and I offer my condolences to their families. Their experiences, along with others who have talked with us about SFAAs, highlight the need to improve the services provided to emerging adults,” said Del Graff, Child and Youth Advocate. “Supporting young people as they enter adulthood is essential because this developmental stage lays the foundation for the rest of their lives.”
It is expected that the three recommendations in this report, along with relevant recommendations made in other reports, are acted upon to improve services for Alberta’s young adults.
From March to June 2019, the OCYA received input from over 200 stakeholders through focus groups, community meetings, and one-on-one interviews. Young people, youth serving organizations, and other community stakeholders shared their perspectives and experiences.
The purpose of this report is to provide advice to government related to preventing future tragedies while better assisting today’s emerging adults.
A copy of the report: “A Critical Time: A Special Report on Emerging Adults Leaving Children’s Services Care” is available on our website:
The Child and Youth Advocate has the authority under the Child and Youth Advocate Act to complete special reports on issues impacting children and youth who are receiving designated government services. This is the Advocate’s fifth special report.
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Media inquiries:
Tim Chander
Communications Manager
Office of the Child and Youth Advocate of Alberta 780-638-4064; C: 780-499-3601 tim.chander@ocya.alberta.ca
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