Dates of founding and/or dissolution:
The Office of the Children's Advocate was founded in 1989 by means of the passage and proclamation of the Child Welfare Amendment Act, 1988 c. 15. The office began operations September 1, 1989.
Functional responsibility:
The principal responsibility of the Office of the Children's Advocate is to represent the interests of individual children in receipt of services under the Child Welfare Act and to act on behalf of children receiving child protection services.
The Office of the Children's Advocate also advises the Minister to which it reports on matters relating to the welfare and the interests of children receiving services under The Child Welfare Act and the provision of those services. It receives, reviews and investigates complaints or concerns that come to the Office's attention respecting children who receive services, and represents the rights, interests and viewpoints of those children.
Predecessor and successor bodies:
The Office of the Children's Advocate has no predecessors with the same functions. The Children's Guardian performed some of the same functions but only in support of children under guardianship orders, not all children receiving services.
Administrative relationships:
The Office of the Children's Advocate reported to the Minister of Family and Social Services from 1989 to 1999. The Office has reported to the Minister of Children's Services since 1999. The Minister presents the annual report of the Office of the Children's Advocate to the Legislative Assembly.
Administrative structure:
The children's advocacy program operates out of offices in Edmonton and Calgary. A number of advocates working under the direction of the Provincial Children's Advocate are located in each office.
Names of chief officers:
Provincial Children's Advocate:
Bernd Walter (1989-1994)
John Lafrance (1994-1997)
Robert Rechner (1997-2002)
John Mould (2002-present)
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