Effective today, new regulations expand the mandate of B.C.'s Representative for Children and Youth, helping to ensure vulnerable young adults are supported during their transition to adulthood at age 19.

The representative may now advocate on behalf of young adults with developmental disabilities - who are transitioning from youth services at the Ministry of Children and Family Development to Community Living BC (CLBC) adult services - until their 24th birthday.

Amendments to the Representative for Children and Youth Act passed in March laid the foundation for today's changes. Those amendments, paired with the representative's broadened mandate, mean the B.C. government has fulfilled all seven recommendations made by the Select Standing Committee for Children and Youth in its review of the act.

The Province will continue to work with the representative's office, CLBC and other groups and agencies to ensure vulnerable children and young adults in B.C. are supported.

Learn more:

The Select Standing Committee for Children and Youth's review of the Representative for Children and Youth Act: http://bit.ly/15EZVI2

Changes to the Representative for Children and Youth Act: http://bit.ly/1dkpOPt

Contact:

Grant Kerr
Ministry of Social Development and Social Innovation
250 387-5635