Office of the Child and Youth Advocate marks 25 years

In the 25 years that the Office of the Child and Youth Advocate has operated, its mandate has grown to better serve the children and youth, who receive designated government services. Most significantly, in 2012, the Child and Youth Advocate Act was proclaimed and established the Child and Youth Advocate as an independent officer reporting to the Alberta Legislature. In May 2014, changes were proclaimed to the act to allow the advocate to investigate systemic issues arising from the death of a child, who at any time during the two year period immediately preceding the death, received a designated service under the Child, Youth and Family Enhancement Act. Del Graff, who serves as provincial Child and Youth Advocate, noted that a concern in Alberta today surrounds the disproportionate number of Aboriginal children and youth in care. Aboriginal children and youth are one of the most vulnerable populations of children with significant gaps in outcomes in comparison to other children and youth.