Yukon Child & Youth Advocate Office

08/05/2026

Article 23 of the UNCRC recognizes the rights of children and youth with disabilities.

Children with disabilities have the right to the support they need to participate fully in their communities, including access to education, health care, recreation, and other services.

Every child deserves the opportunity to be included, supported, and treated with dignity.

Learn more: https://www.unicef.org.uk/what-we-do/un-convention-child-rights/

07/29/2026

The experiences of children and youth receiving services from Family and Children’s Services (FCS) are often invisible to the public.

These are sensitive and confidential matters, and young people involved with FCS — many of whom are quite young — rarely have opportunities to share their perspectives publicly.

Through our advocacy work, YCAO hears directly from children and youth about their experiences and what they need.

This connects to Article 19 of the UNCRC, children’s right to protection from harm, abuse, and neglect, and Article 20, the right to special protection and support when children cannot live with their families.

We shared many of our concerns in a submission to the Committee on Public Accounts:https://www.ycao.ca/_files/ugd/a5713e_3717ee7ce2fb47d6bc5d3533ddcf6063.pdf

07/21/2026

We’re hiring!

The YCAO is seeking an Advocacy Representative to provide advocacy services for Yukon children and youth and help ensure their views and rights are meaningfully considered in decisions that affect them.

This is a full-time, permanent position. Preference will be given to candidates who belong to a Yukon First Nation or of Indigenous ancestry.

📍 Whitehorse, Yukon
🗓️ Competition closes August 4, 2026

Learn more and apply: ycao.ca/our-team

07/15/2026

Young people have important perspectives on the supports they need.

Listening to children and youth means taking their experiences seriously and recognizing the importance of having trusted adults and supports they can access.

This connects to Article 24 of the UNCRC, which recognizes children and youth’s right to a high standard of health and healthcare.

Mental health is an important part of overall health.

07/03/2026

While routines may change, YCAO is still here throughout the summer to make sure governments continue to listen to the voices of children and youth.

If you have questions about your rights, need information, or want support, you can still reach out to us.

Our regular hours (9am - 5pm, Mon - Fri) continue throughout the summer.

Learn more or contact us: ycao.ca/contact-us

06/26/2026

We’d like to celebrate and recognize the Yukon Government champions who are helping strengthen the use of Child Rights Impact Assessments (CRIA)!

Today, YCAO hosted a mentoring session with Lisa Wolff to support staff in applying a child rights lens to government policies, programs, and initiatives.

CRIA is a tool that helps decision-makers consider how their work may impact children and youth and identify opportunities to better reflect their rights, voices, and experiences from the beginning.

Learn more about CRIA: ycao.ca/trainings-capacity-building

06/24/2026

School's out! ☀️

Summer is a time for kids and youth to slow down, explore, spend time with friends and family, and just be kids.

Play, creativity, time on the land, and unstructured adventures are all important parts of learning and growing up.

Article 31 of the UNCRC recognizes children’s right to rest, play, and take part in cultural and creative activities.

Wishing all Yukon children and youth a summer full of fun, connection, and adventure!

06/19/2026

This Sunday, celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day at the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre!

Join the community in celebrating the 14 Yukon First Nations, Indigenous cultures, languages, traditions, and the strength of Indigenous communities from across the Yukon and the country.

See you there! 🎉

🎉 NATIONAL INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY SCHEDULE 🎉

Join us on June 21 at the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre for a full day of celebration, community, culture, food, music, and dance as we honour this year’s theme: Old Ways, New Days.

Enjoy live performances throughout the day, including headliner Notorious Cree! Plus artist demonstrations, giveaway prizes, the infamous Bannock Bake-Off, Traditional Fashion Show, Indigenous art market, family activities, a solstice feast, and so much more.

Bring your family, friends, and good energy, we can’t wait to celebrate with you!

06/17/2026

Another school year in the books!

We want to thank the educators, school staff, counsellors, EAs, administrators, and everyone else behind the scenes who support Yukon students every day.

Learning at school is about more than academics. Schools are communities of people who are constantly inspiring, supporting, and learning from one another through relationships.

Through our work, we regularly hear about the difference that caring adults can make in a young person's life.

Thank you for the work you do. We wish students, families, and educators a safe and restful summer.

06/12/2026

Congratulations to all Yukon graduates!

Getting to graduation takes hard work, resilience, and determination. Along the way there are challenges, setbacks, and plenty of moments of growth.

Today we celebrate everything you have accomplished, and all the possibilities that lie ahead!

Congratulations, Class of 2026! 🎓