NLIS 3
July 12, 2005
(Executive Council)
Child and Youth Advocate
appointed
Premier Danny Williams announced today
that Darlene Neville has been appointed Child and Youth Advocate,
effective August 1.
"Ms. Neville brings very strong relevant experience and skills to this
position, including in-depth knowledge of systems that impact children
and youth; mediation and negotiating skills involving individuals,
families and systems; and career experience in both rural and urban
areas of the province," the Premier said. "We welcome the contribution
she will make to advancing the interests of children and youth."
Ms. Neville�s 20-year career has included experience as a social worker
and a legal aid lawyer working on behalf of families, including three
years working in Labrador which provided insight into the specific
issues of aboriginal children.
Premier Williams noted that the appointment is subject to the approval
of the House of Assembly, and this approval will be sought this fall.
Until then, Ms. Neville will exercise the full powers of the Child and
Youth Advocate.
Ms. Neville�s appointment was made following a public competition for
the position. Premier Williams extended a special thank-you to former
judge James Igloliorte who has been interim Child and Youth Advocate
since mid-May.
Media contact: Elizabeth Matthews, Office of the Premier, (709)
729-3960, 690-5500,
elizabethmatthews@gov.nl.ca
BIOGRAPHY
Darlene Neville�s career in the public
service began in 1981 after she graduated from Memorial University with
a bachelor of social work. Over the next four years she worked as a
social worker in Placentia, Twillingate and St. John�s, and for the
following three years as a social worker at St. Clare�s Hospital.
In 1991, she was awarded a bachelor of laws from Dalhousie University.
Since then she has worked as associate lawyer with the firm Halley,
Hunt, and as a solicitor with the Department of Justice.
From 1995 to 1998, Ms. Neville worked with in Happy Valley-Goose Bay as
staff solicitor with the Newfoundland and Labrador Legal Aid Commission.
Following that, she started work in her most current position, staff
solicitor with the commission�s St. John�s office. In both positions,
she worked in the area of criminal, family and civil law. Her experience
in St. John�s has included two and a half years as defense counsel for
Youth Court.
2005 07 12
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