Mission Statement

The Office of the Provincial Advocate for Children and Youth serves youth in state care and the margins of state care through individual, systemic and policy advocacy.  The Office strives, at every level of its operation to be an exemplar of youth participation.

 

 

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About Us

The Office of the Provincial Advocate reports directly to the Legislature and provides an independent voice for children and youth, including children with special needs and First Nations children.

The advocates receive and respond to concerns from children, youth and families who are seeking or receiving services under the Child and Family Services Act and the Education Act (Provincial and Demonstration Schools).

The Provincial Advocate may identify systemic problems involving children, conduct reviews and provide education and advice on the issue of advocacy and the rights of children.

The Office is guided by the principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and has a strong commitment to youth involvement.

The Philanthropist Youth and Philanthropy

MEDIA ADVISORY: Awareness day will give Ontario’s children and youth in care their day to be heard

Mental Health Report: Putting Youth In The Picture

Concluding observations on the combined third and fourth periodic report of Canada

Equitable treatment of First Nations children and youth must be at the forefront of Canadian Human Rights Tribunal

MEDIA RELEASE: Ontario's Advocate for Children and Youth to focus on youth custody issues at Ashley Smith inquest

MEDIA RELEASE: Ontario’s Advocate for Children and Youth launches first public inquest database

MOTION RECORD Motion for Leave to Intervene, brought by the Ontario's Provincial Advocate for Children and Youth

Ontario's Advocate for Children and Youth Seeks to Intervene in Federal Government’s Appeal that Discriminates Against First Nations Children

Irwin's Speech at Sheridan Convocation 2012

The Convention on the Rights of the Child

"Children's Anthem" by Rosanne Howell

November of 2011 marked a very special time for any child in and from Child Welfare Systems. In Ontario, the youth themselves, held hearings at Ontario's Legislative Assembly, to address the issue of youth aging out of care, too early, without support.
As a former youth in care, Rosanne Howell was asked to perform her song, "Children's Anthem"; her testimony at the hearings. The song was written for any child who has, or still does, suffer. It is meant to encourage. It also expresses the feelings of what it is like to live in care.

You Are Not Alone Campaign Videos

Rick Mercer for the OPACY "YOU ARE NOT ALONE" Campaign

Provincial Advocate - You Are Not Alone Campaign

Youth Leaving Care Hearings Report

Please click here to listen to the Provincial Advocate being interviewed on Goldhawk Fights Back. Hear what he has to say around calling an inquest into the death of a seven-year-old Toronto girl

ANNUAL REPORT 2010|2011

The review of the roots of youth violence (volume 1)

Bullying Submission by the Provincial Advocate re Bill 13/14

The Office of the Chief Coroner’s Death Review of the Youth Suicides at the Pikangikum First Nation 2006 – 2008

Aboriginal Children Canada Must Do Better: Today and Tomorrow

Our Dreams Matter Too First Nations children's rights, lives, and education

Submission to the standing committee on social policy Re: Bill 140

Statement on Child and Youth Mental Health in Ontario