Office Supports Report on Aboriginal Youth

Ombudsman Dwight Bishop supports a national plan to improve the lives of Aboriginal children and youth.

The need for the plan is stated in a report by the Canadian Council of Child and Youth Advocates called, Canada Must Do Better: Today and Tomorrow. It says the most important systemic human rights issue in the country is the health, education and safety of Aboriginal children and youth. The council will present the report to the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child on Monday, Feb. 6, in Geneva. The council is made up of children's advocates from the provinces and territories.

"The most appropriate approach to bring the voices of Aboriginal youth and children to the forefront is through a national plan," said Mr. Bishop, who is also a member of the council.

"We need to create a national plan to provide oversight and the accountability necessary to improve the living conditions and well-being of Aboriginal youth."

The council is also calling once again for the appointment of national children's commissioner.

The report is available at http://www.rcybc.ca/Images/PDFs/Reports/CCCYA_UN_Report-FINAL%20oct%2027.pdf .

The Office of the Ombudsman in Nova Scotia has established a complaint resolution process for youth in the care and custody of the province or young people receiving services from government. Articles from the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child are embedded in this process and its purpose is to serve as an independent and integral part of the overall quality assurance to children and youth.

Ombudsman representatives take a proactive role, and in collaboration with the departments of Community Services and Justice, visit facilities for youth on a regular basis. Visits provide the opportunity for youth to be informed of their rights and ensures their voices are heard.