Advocating for the Rights of Children and Youth:The OCYA’s Mandate and Role

Learn more of the work of the Office of the Child and Youth Advocate - how they protect and advocate for children's rights!

Join AECENL and The Office of the Child and Youth Advocate for a live workshop online via Zoom for NL certified ECEs and those working in the field here in the province.

The Office of the Child and Youth Advocate (OCYA) is an Independent Statutory Office of the House of Assembly of Newfoundland and Labrador that is responsible for promoting and protecting the rights of all children and youth in the province and providing public oversight of government programs and services. The Office advocates to ensure children and youth have access to services they are entitled to, that their issues receive appropriate attention, that their rights are respected and upheld, and their voices are heard in matters affecting them.

In this session, there will be a specific focus on the mandate, legislation, as well as the role of the OCYA in terms of individual and systemic advocacy, reviews and investigation, and public education. There will also be discussion about the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and the rights-based approach to the work at the OCYA.