Lloyd L. W. Wicks sworn in as Child and Youth Advocate

In a swearing-in ceremony in the House of Assembly lobby this afternoon, Lloyd L.W. Wicks took the oath of office to become the province�s first Child and Youth Advocate. The Office of the Child and Youth Advocate will open by mid-November.

The Office of the Child and Youth Advocate is independent of the provincial government and reports directly to the House of Assembly. The legislation establishing the Child and Youth Advocate received Royal Assent in the House of Assembly on December 13, 2001. The advocate will focus on public programs and services that have an impact on children and youth under 19. The advocate will also review enquiries and complaints from individual children and youth, up until the age of 21, and for youth who are in care or custody until the age of 19.

Mr. Wicks was born in Valleyfield, Bonavista Bay. He was first appointed as a provincial court judge in 1963. He became the province�s first youth court judge in 1984 and remained in that position until his retirement from the bench in 1993. Throughout his career, Mr. Wicks has prepared and delivered several notable decisions regarding the Criminal Code of Canada and the Young Offenders Act. Since his retirement from the Provincial Court Bench, Mr. Wicks has held various appointments and has been an active volunteer in the community.

Photo #1: Lloyd L.W. Wicks takes the oath of office to become the province's first Child and Youth Advocate - September 16, 2002. (L) John Noel, Clerk of the House of Assembly, (R) Lloyd L.W. Wicks

Media contact: Office of the Clerk of the House of Assembly, (709) 729-3405.

2002 09 16                                     3:00 p.m.