Child and Youth Advocate urges coordinated action to address youth homelessness across Alberta

Alberta must take urgent, coordinated action to prevent and end youth homelessness, according to a new report released today by the Office of the Child and Youth Advocate.

A Place to Belong: A Special Report on Youth Homelessness in Alberta highlights the experiences of young people across the province and identifies critical gaps in supports and services for young people and families that are leading to housing instability.

“Youth homelessness must end,” said Child and Youth Advocate Terri Pelton. “A safe, stable place to call home is essential for a young person’s well-being and sense of belonging. Too many young people are becoming unhoused, and it’s preventable.”

Through the report, the Child and Youth Advocate is making four new recommendations to government. This includes a recommendation to develop a provincial youth-specific homelessness strategy designed to prevent, reduce, and end youth homelessness.

In 2025, the Office of the Child and Youth Advocate observed a significant number of children and youth who were or had been unhoused, however, this is only a small snapshot of the number of young people who are unhoused throughout Alberta.

A copy of the special report can be found here: ocya.alberta.ca/reports/

The Office of the Child and Youth Advocate is an independent office of the Alberta Legislature. It represents the rights, interests, and viewpoints of children and youth receiving designated government services.

Media inquiries:

Stephanie Shantz
Communications Manager
Office of the Child and Youth Advocate
780-218-9429
stephanie.shantz@ocya.alberta.ca