Office of the Child and Youth Advocate
February 17, 2017
The Child and Youth Advocate Addresses Education Issues
The Office of the Child and Youth Advocate (OCYA) believes in youth being involved in representing issues affecting them. Their voices are central in helping us understand issues from their perspectives. Recently there has been considerable attention on issues within the educational system. We have heard from teachers, parents and students. Jackie Lake Kavanagh, Child and Youth Advocate, encourages all involved, including the media, to be respectful of students’ privacy, particularly in light of some of the very sensitive discussions taking place. “Newfoundland and Labrador is a small province, so it is extremely important to be cautious about disclosing information that can identify a young person, or that can leave young people exposed,” Lake Kavanagh said. Many people may have comments, experiences and ideas but may not be prepared to discuss them publicly. The Advocate’s Office encourages the public to contact the Task Force on Improving Educational Outcomes which is mandated to examine the K-12 system and has invited input from people in the province.
Over the years the, OCYA has had direct involvement with individual children and youth and their families on educational issues, including: bullying in school, support services required by children, school bussing, and issues where children are not able to attend school. The Advocate’s Office continues to address these issues, not only for each individual child, but also from a systemic perspective to address impacts on groups of young people. For its part, the OCYA will make a submission to the Task Force.
For further information on the Task Force and how you can have your voice heard on educational outcomes impacting the children and youth of Newfoundland and Labrador, please visit www.ptfnl.ca
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Media contact:
Janice Mullins Office of the Child and Youth Advocate 709-753-3888 janicemullins@ocya.nl.ca |
2017 02 17 4:20 p.m.