Creation of an independent Child and Youth Advocate

New legislation introduced in the Legislature is aimed at establishing a Child and Youth Advocate as an independent officer of the Legislature. Bill 25, the Child and Youth Advocate Act, will also expand the advocate’s mandate to ensure those in the youth criminal justice system will have advocacy supports. Currently the advocate reports to the Minister of Human Services. Also proposed is the establishment of the Child and Family Services Council for Quality Assurance to help increase public understanding and confidence in the child intervention system. The legislation will clarify publication ban provisions designed to protect the privacy of children in the child intervention system. “This proposed legislation … will also bring about changes for a stronger and broader system to advocate for and support those vulnerable children and youth who are being served in government systems,” said Human Services Minister Dave Hancock in a news release.