Advocates call for systemic change following recent deaths of 15 vulnerable Alberta youth
The Office of the Child and Youth Advocate of Alberta says more can and should be done to prevent young people with complex needs from being further victimized by the shortcomings of available supports.
The organization released a report Wednesday comprised of its mandatory reviews into the deaths of 15 young Albertans — the majority of whom were Indigenous — that occurred in the five-month period between Oct. 1, 2021 and March 1.
"Each of these 15 young people had an immense impact on those who knew and loved them, and I send my heartfelt condolences to those mourning their loss," said Terri Pelton, a child and youth advocate, in her letter to the Office of the Speaker that accompanied the report.
Of the 15 victims, 12 were chid intervention services participants at the time of their death while the remaining three had received the services within the last two years. The office is required to issue a public report of any death that occurred within these parameters.
"The Child and Youth Advocate is deeply concerned about the exceptional number of notifications that continue to be received regarding children and youth who have passed away," read the report. "Of significant concern is the number of Indigenous youth, highlighting the critical need for systemic changes to better support First Nation, Métis and Inuit young people, their families, and communities."
The report included background information on each victim, outlining not only the challenges they faced in their abbreviated lives but making mention of their hopes, dreams and their valuable contributions.
According to the group, a staggering number of young people deaths are drug-related and likely preventable given the proper approach and access to support. Nine of the 15 deaths included in the report were attributed to suspected or confirmed drug toxicity.
"Substance use is a pervasive issue that has devastating outcomes for many young people and their families. There is an urgent need for a full spectrum of services and supports, which should be tailored to meet each young person's unique needs and circumstances. The government must develop and implement a youth specific opioid and substance use strategy to address this issue."
The Office of the Child and Youth Advocate of Alberta recommends the development of a coordinated action plan for children with complex needs to ensure supports or readily available to the vulnerable youth and their families. The action plan would address gaps until longer-term initiatives are developed.
The report is available here.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Quebec nurse had to clean up after husband's death in Montreal hospital
On a night she should have been mourning, a nurse from Quebec's Laurentians region says she was forced to clean up her husband after he died at a hospital in Montreal.
Northern Ont. lawyer who abandoned clients in child protection cases disbarred
A North Bay, Ont., lawyer who abandoned 15 clients – many of them child protection cases – has lost his licence to practise law.
Bank of Canada officials split on when to start cutting interest rates
Members of the Bank of Canada's governing council were split on how long the central bank should wait before it starts cutting interest rates when they met earlier this month.
Maple Leafs fall to Bruins in Game 3, trail series 2-1
Brad Marchand scored twice, including the winner in the third period, and added an assist as the Boston Bruins downed the Toronto Maple Leafs 4-2 to take a 2-1 lead in their first-round playoff series Wednesday
Cuban government apologizes to Montreal-area family after delivering wrong body
Cuba's foreign affairs minister has apologized to a Montreal-area family after they were sent the wrong body following the death of a loved one.
'It was instant karma': Viral video captures failed theft attempt in Nanaimo, B.C.
Mounties in Nanaimo, B.C., say two late-night revellers are lucky their allegedly drunken antics weren't reported to police after security cameras captured the men trying to steal a heavy sign from a downtown business.
What is changing about Canada's capital gains tax and how does it impact me?
The federal government's proposed change to capital gains taxation is expected to increase taxes on investments and mainly affect wealthy Canadians and businesses. Here's what you need to know about the move.
New Indigenous loan guarantee program a 'really big deal,' Freeland says at Toronto conference
Canada's Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland was among the 1,700 delegates attending the two-day First Nations Major Projects Coalition (FNMPC) conference that concluded Tuesday in Toronto.
'Life was not fair to him': Daughter of N.B. man exonerated of murder remembers him as a kind soul
The daughter of a New Brunswick man recently exonerated from murder, is remembering her father as somebody who, despite a wrongful conviction, never became bitter or angry.