News

Survey: Child Intervention Services practice support and clinical supervision for frontline staff and casework supervisors

The Office of the Child and Youth Advocate (OCYA) is a child rights-based organization and an independent legislative office reporting to the Alberta Legislature. The OCYA advocates for children and youth receiving designated services (child intervention and youth justice services) and investigates the serious injury or death of children involved with these systems. The essence of […]

Terri Pelton appointed new Child and Youth Advocate

April 5, 2022 Edmonton…Terri Pelton was sworn-in today as Alberta’s new Child and Youth Advocate during an official ceremony at the legislature. “It’s an honour to be chosen as the next Child and Youth Advocate,” said Pelton. “While there are challenges ahead, I strongly believe that by working collectively on shared goals, we as a […]

Child and Youth Advocate releases mandatory reviews concerning 15 young people

March 29, 2022 Report focuses on themes of coordinated service delivery, strengthening accountability, and providing services and supports to Indigenous young people Edmonton…The Office of the Child and Youth Advocate released reviews into the circumstances of 15 young people who passed away between April 1, 2021 and September 30, 2021. This mandatory report is the […]

2020–2021 OCYA Annual Report released

Del Graff, Alberta’s Child and Youth Advocate, released the 2020–2021 OCYA Annual Report.

Child and Youth Advocate releases mandatory reviews concerning nine young people

Child and Youth Advocate releases mandatory reviews concerning nine young people

Themes of family violence, importance of cultural connections, need to support for young people transitioning out of government care

Edmonton…The Office of the Child and Youth Advocate released reviews into the circumstances of nine young people who passed away between October 1, 2020 and March 31, 2021.

Child and Youth Advocate releases systemic review concerning nine young people

September 7, 2021 Child and Youth Advocate releases a systemic review concerning nine young people Thorough assessment, information-sharing, and collaboration among service providers are key areas of recommendation “There is legislation in place such as the Children First Act which works to promote the well-being, safety and security of children and families by allowing for […]

Child and Youth Advocate releases follow-up report on youth opioid use

Alberta’s Child and Youth Advocate has released a follow-up report on youth opioid use. Renewed Focus: A Follow-Up Report on Youth Opioid Use in Alberta explores what has changed since the Advocate’s first report on this issue was released in June of 2018.

Child and Youth Advocate releases Statement of Concern

March 9, 2021 Edmonton…Del Graff, Provincial Child and Youth Advocate, released his first Statement of Concern for young people whose parents are involved in high-conflict custody and access matters. Read the full news release. Read the Statement of Concern.

Mandatory Reviews: October 1, 2019 – March 31, 2020

September 29, 2020 Child and Youth Advocate releases fourth mandatory reviews into child deaths Edmonton…The Office of the Child and Youth Advocate (OCYA) has released reviews into the circumstances of 13 young people, 11 of whom passed away between October 1, 2019 and March 31, 2020. This report also includes a young person who passed […]

Mandatory Reviews: April 1, 2019 – September 30, 2019

Child and Youth Advocate releases third mandatory reviews into child deaths.

A Critical Time: A Special Report

Child and Youth Advocate releases special report on young adults leaving government care

National Child Day 2019

National Child Day celebrations focus on the 30th anniversary of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

2018-2019 Annual Report Released

Edmonton…Del Graff, Provincial Child and Youth Advocate, releases the 2018-19 Annual Report of the Office of the Child and Youth Advocate (OCYA).

Mandatory Reviews: October 1, 2018 – March 31, 2019

Child and Youth Advocate releases second mandatory reviews into child deaths

Care in Custody: A Special Report

September 9, 2019 Child and Youth Advocate releases special report on OC spray and segregation in Alberta’s young offender centres Edmonton…Alberta’s Child and Youth Advocate has completed a special report on oleoresin capsicum spray (OC spray, commonly referred to as pepper spray) and segregation in young offender centres. The Advocate is making four recommendations related […]

Mandatory Reviews: April 1 – September 30, 2018

Child and Youth Advocate releases first mandatory reviews into child deaths.

Check out our Cree and Blackfoot videos!

The Office of the Child and Youth Advocate (OCYA) has released two videos about the organization in the Blackfoot and Cree languages.

Taking action on issues affecting LGBTQ2S+ youth

Office of the Child and Youth Advocate releases Community Conversations on Speaking OUT: Ideas for Taking Action, an addendum to the 2017 special report

2017–2018 Annual Report Released

Office of the Child and Youth Advocate releases 2017–2018 Annual Report

National Child Day 2018

National Child Day 2018 – Our Right to an Identity

Investigative Reviews: Dakota, Lee and Susan

Child and Youth Advocate releases reviews highlighting the importance of supporting youth with mental health and complex needs

Investigative Review: Into Focus – Youth Opioid Use in Alberta

Child and Youth Advocate releases investigative review involving deaths of 12 young people

Child Advocates travel to Bogota to make presentation

Alberta and Saskatchewan child advocates travel to Bogota to make presentation to human rights group