INFORMATION BULLETIN
For Immediate Release 2002AG0071-000829 Sept. 27, 2002		Ministry of Attorney General
NEW OFFICE IMPROVES SERVICES FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH

VICTORIA – A new office that will provide specialized and independent oversight of services government delivers to children and youth will begin operating Monday.

 

            The Office for Children and Youth integrates the key functions of the former Children’s Commission and the former Office of the Child, Youth and Family Advocate. The new office will strengthen services for children and youth by removing duplication and confusion about roles and responsibilities that existed among the agencies.

 

            Paul Pallan has been appointed acting children and youth officer while the government conducts a cross-Canada search for a permanent children and youth officer. Pallan served as children’s commissioner starting in 1999 and acting child, youth and family advocate beginning in June 2002.

 

            The children and youth officer is accountable directly to the Attorney General. The office’s responsibilities include:

 

• Advocating for children, youth and families regarding government services.
• Monitoring government services to ensure they are adequate and, if necessary, making recommendations to government on how services should be improved.
• Working with the Minister of Children and Family Development to identify areas requiring independent external oversight, and conducting special investigations upon request by the Attorney General.

 

      The Office for Children and Youth Act was passed by the legislature in May.

 

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Media contact:	Brett Lowther Public Affairs Officer 250 356-0727