Office of the Child and Youth Advocate

Office of the Child and Youth Advocate Edmonton:
#600, 9925 109 Street NW T5K 2J8
780-422-6056

Calgary:
2420 AMEC Place
801- 6th Avenue SW
Calgary, AB
T2P 3W3 Advocacy is not a neutral activity.

The OCYA advocates on behalf of children and youth receiving child intervention services or who are involved with the youth justice system by ensuring that their rights, interests and viewpoints are acknowledged and acted upon. All staff at the OCYA are driven by a shared concern for young people, and a commitment to doing all we can to improve the services they receive, often through very difficu

lt circumstances in their lives. It is these young people, who have the courage to let us know what they need, that make all our efforts worthwhile. Please do not submit personal information or your advocacy issues through this page. Please contact the OCYA directly.

We stand up for the rights, interests, and viewpoints of young people in Alberta. We do this by: - Working directly with...
09/01/2026

We stand up for the rights, interests, and viewpoints of young people in Alberta. We do this by:

- Working directly with children and youth to help them have a say in decisions that affect their lives.
- Educating young people and adults about children’s rights and the role of our office.
- Completing investigative reviews when required by our mandate.
- Making recommendations to government about issues that affect the lives of young people.

If you want to learn more about our programs and services, visit our website https://www.ocya.alberta.ca/

08/26/2026

Our latest blog post features members of the OCYA Youth Council as they reflect on their perspectives and what they’ve learned along the way.

They highlight what has stood out to them and why making space for youth voice matters.

Read the Member Spotlight via our website https://www.ocya.alberta.ca/ocya-youth-council-member-spotlight/

The OCYA Youth Council creates opportunities for young people with lived experience in the child intervention and youth ...
08/19/2026

The OCYA Youth Council creates opportunities for young people with lived experience in the child intervention and youth justice systems to share their perspectives and help inform our ongoing work. Members provide input, take part in consultations with external groups, and meet with government leaders.

Know a young person who wants to share their experiences, build their skills, and help amplify youth voices? Encourage them to apply.

Applications close September 1, 2026.

Young people across Alberta have different stories, experiences and hopes for the future. Every young person should have...
08/12/2026

Young people across Alberta have different stories, experiences and hopes for the future. Every young person should have the opportunity to feel safe, to belong, to be heard and to thrive.

This year’s International Youth Day theme, “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations,” connects closely to our work at OCYA. We advocate for the rights, interests, and viewpoints of young people receiving designated services and we remain committed to amplifying young people’s voices in the systems and decisions that affect their lives.

We welcome the progress made on one of our Calling for Change recommendations. The Ministry of Mental Health and Addicti...
07/31/2026

We welcome the progress made on one of our Calling for Change recommendations.

The Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions has launched a public resource that makes it easier for Albertans to find youth, young adult and adult addiction treatment options across the province.

Making information about available services easier to find and access is an important step toward helping children, youth and families connect with the supports they need.

Learn more: https://findaddictionbeds.alberta.ca/

Are you experienced in conducting complex investigations and passionate about improving outcomes for young Albertans?We ...
07/22/2026

Are you experienced in conducting complex investigations and passionate about improving outcomes for young Albertans?

We are currently seeking an Investigative Review Specialist to join our team. Learn more and apply by August 21: https://www.ocya.alberta.ca/work-with-us

Do you know a young person with lived experience in the child intervention or youth justice system?Encourage them to che...
07/21/2026

Do you know a young person with lived experience in the child intervention or youth justice system?

Encourage them to check out the OCYA Youth Council! The council provides feedback and input on the OCYA's work and consults with government officials and community organizations.

It's a great way to develop new skills and connect with other young people who've been involved in child-serving systems.

📅 Apply by September 1
🔗 Interested? Email: [email protected]

07/09/2026

At this year's LRCY Conference, youth, advocates, service providers, and community leaders came together to explore how we can better support young people.

We invited attendees to complete one simple sentence:
"Every young person deserves..."
Here's what they shared.

06/21/2026

Today we celebrate the cultures and contributions of Indigenous Peoples, while recognizing there is still much work to be done on our journey towards reconciliation. Colonialism's impacts are ongoing. Our office is committed to listening, learning, and taking meaningful action. We are grateful to the Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and leaders who guide this work.

A Place to Belong: A Special Report on Youth Homelessness in Alberta identifies critical gaps in supports and services f...
06/17/2026

A Place to Belong: A Special Report on Youth Homelessness in Alberta identifies critical gaps in supports and services for young people and families. The Advocate is making four recommendations to government aimed at preventing, reducing, and ending youth homelessness in Alberta.

A safe, stable place to call home is essential for a young person's well-being and sense of belonging. No young person should experience homelessness.

Read the full report at ocya.alberta.ca/reports/

Address

#600, 9925 109 Street NW
Edmonton, AB
T5K2J8

Opening Hours

Monday 8:15am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8:15am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8:15am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8:15am - 4:30pm
Friday 8:15am - 4:30pm

Telephone

1-800-661-3446

Website

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