News and Announcements

Edmonton—The Select Special Child and Youth Advocate Search Committee recommends the appointment of Terri Pelton as Alberta’s Child and Youth Advocate.

The Child and Youth Advocate is an independent officer of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, mandated to work with vulnerable young people. The Child and Youth Advocate provides individual and systemic advocacy for children and youth receiving designated services as defined under the Child and Youth Advocate Act.

“Ms. Pelton brings to the role more than 30 years of experience within the Alberta public service as a registered social worker and tireless advocate for children and young people.” said Joseph Schow, MLA for Cardston-Siksika and search committee chair. “Her commitment to reconciliation and experience setting strategic directions for the Office of the Child and Youth Advocate (OCYA) will be invaluable to her success in the position.”

Pelton has played an integral role in the development and implementation of investigations into child serious injury and death and the Legal Representation for Children and Youth program for the OCYA. Over the past three years, she has been responsible for the leadership of Direct Advocacy Services. She has been a member of the Strategic Leadership Team since 2011.

Pelton, BSW, RSW, graduated from the University of Regina in 1987 and was involved with all areas of child welfare service delivery before moving to the OCYA in 2007. She is committed to reconciliation and believes in the inherent right of Indigenous peoples to care for their children. Terri has completed the Senior and Executive Managers’ Development Program and the Indigenous Partnership Development Program through the Alberta School of Business and the Government of Alberta.

The Select Special Child and Youth Advocate Search Committee will table its report with the Legislative Assembly of Alberta recommending the appointment of Ms. Pelton to the position of Child and Youth Advocate effective April 1, 2022.

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For more information contact:
Rhonda Sorensen, Manager of Corporate Communications
Phone: 780.427-1653
Email: rhonda.sorensen@assembly.ab.ca