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                    2:05 p.m.


SearchHomeBack to GovernmentContact Us


All material copyright the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. No unauthorized copying or redeployment permitted. The Government assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of any material deployed on an unauthorized server.
Disclaimer/Copyright/Privacy Statement