A “youth” in relation to the Youth Criminal Justice Act is defined as a person who is 16 years of age, but under 19 years of age. A "youth" in relation to being eligible for YCAO services is defined as any Yukon child or youth under the age of 24.

This includes:

• a youth in care or custody under the Child, Youth and Family Services Act;
• a youth on remand under the Criminal Code or the Young Offenders Act (Canada);
• a youth subject to a sentence under the Criminal Code;
• or a youth subject to a disposition under the Young Offenders Act (Canada), who is under 24 years of age.

Youth (16 – 19)

All youth experience a range of challenges as they transition into adulthood, but youth in care face a unique set of circumstances. They haven’t had the same opportunities, experiences and role models as youth in the general population. Youth in care have poorer health, especially mental health, and have limited education and employment options as they grow older.

Only one in five youth in care graduates from high school, compared to three out of four youth in the general population.

The Child & Youth Advocate strives to ensure services for youth in care leading up to and beyond the age of 19 to support a steady transition to independence.