Today the BCGEU provided its submission to the Select Standing Committee on Children and Youth, an all-party committee of the Legislative Assembly, in response to its regular statutory review of the Representative for Children and Youth Act (SBC, 2006, c. 29).

The Office of the Representative for Children and Youth (RCY) provides an essential point of oversight and review for our province’s child and family welfare system. Our comments and suggestions to continue this work include retaining and protecting the RCY’s independence as an officer of the legislature, as well as two recommendations: that the Act provide improved protection and oversight for those transitioning out of government care, including the expansion of the age definition for “young adults;” and that the Act be amended to place an obligation on care facilities to inform children and youth placed with them of the role of the representative, and their right to have private contact with the representative without delay.

Click here to view the full submission (PDF)