Alberta Legislature (rdnewsNOW file photo)

By rdnewsNOW Staff

Terri Pelton

New Alberta Child and Youth Advocate named

Mar 30, 2022 | 3:39 PM

A new Child and Youth Advocate for Alberta is due to be sworn-in next month.

Terri Pelton will be sworn-in as Alberta’s Child and Youth Advocate on April 5.

“With a career spanning more than 30 years as a registered social worker, including 15 years with the Office of the Child and Youth Advocate (OCYA), Terri Pelton not only brings to the position of Alberta’s Child and Youth Advocate a solid understanding of current and emerging issues affecting young people, but also demonstrated expertise in identifying trends and opportunities for conflict resolution,” said the honourable Nathan Cooper, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta. “It is a demanding position that required attributes beyond a specific discipline, and I am confident Ms. Pelton is well suited to the role.”

Government officials say Pelton strongly believes that young people have rights and that their opinion must be considered when decisions are being made about them.

Representing the rights and interests of children, Pelton has been involved in investigations into child serious injury and death and the legal representation for children and youth program for the OCYA. Over the past three years, she led direct advocacy services and has been a member of the Strategic Leadership Team since 2011, helping to set overall direction for the office.

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Pelton, BSW, RSW, graduated from the University of Regina in 1987. She was involved with all areas of child welfare service delivery before moving to the OCYA in 2007.

The Select Special Child and Youth Advocate Search Committee tabled its report with the Legislative Assembly of Alberta on February 14, 2022, recommending the appointment of Pelton to the position.

The ceremony will take place at 11 a.m. in the Carillon Room at the Alberta Legislature Building.