Who We Work For


We work for children and youth. Wherever possible, our advocacy work is guided by what they tell us.

Under our legislation, a child is anyone who is 15 years old and younger. A youth is any person 16 to 18 years old.

The Representative for Children and Youth Act also contains exceptions where we can help someone more than 18 years old. The RCY Act allows us to help a young person who is 19 to 21 years old if he or she:

  • has requested or is receiving services under the Education Act and is entitled under the Act to attend school
  • was charged with an offence to which the Youth Criminal Justice Act or the Young Offenders Act  applies, and there has been no final disposition of the charge
  • was found guilty of an offence to which the Youth Criminal Justice Act or the Young Offenders Act  applies and has not completed his or her sentence or disposition
  • has a long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory disability

We can also help a young person who is 19 to 25 years old if he or she is receiving extended support services under the Child and Family Services Act

If you would like more information on these circumstances, contact us.