The Representative for Children and Youth supports children, youth and families who need help in dealing with the child welfare system and advocates for changes to the system itself.  
 
Responsibilities of the Representative include advocating for children and youth, protecting their rights, and improving the system for the protection and support of children and youth, particularly those who are most vulnerable.  
 
The Representative serves all British Columbians from the ages of birth to 19, and is particularly concerned that young people in government care - such as those in foster homes, group homes or youth custody - do well. These children and youth face greater challenges than those in the general population, especially related to health and education, incarceration and dependence on income assistance.  
 
The Representative doesn't work for the government. Rather, the Representative for Children and Youth is an independent office of the Legislature and does not report through a provincial ministry.   The Representative's work is based on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, and upholds the following values:

Children have a right to be protected and kept safe
Families are the best environment for raising a child
Parents and extended family have the primary responsibility for a child
Decisions made about a child should include their own views and input

Offices in Victoria, Prince George and Lower Mainland (Burnaby, BC).