Our Mandate & Values
Mandate
The YCAO is an independent office of the Yukon Legislative Assembly.
We represent the rights, views, and preferences of children and youth who receive government services. We report annually to the all-party Member Services Board.
Who We Serve
We provide services to young people who are:
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Under 18 under the Youth Criminal Justice Act
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Under 19 under the Child & Family Services Act
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Under 21 under the Education Act
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Ages 19–26 and eligible under sections 17 or 18 of the Child & Family Services Act
Mission
We commit to upholding the rights and amplifying the voices of children and youth throughout the Yukon.
Vision
The vision of YCAO is for a safe and healthy society that hears, includes, values, and protects the rights and voices of children and youth.
Values
Respect
Respect is the most important value in how we approach our interactions with children, families, caregivers, First Nations, and professionals. It reminds us that relationships lead to results, not the other way around.
Empowerment
Empowerment is where our heart lies. We believe unreservedly in the potential of young people to share their opinions and play an active role in decisions being made about them.
Integrity
Integrity is essential to ensuring our reputation is as solid as our work. We seek to operate with honesty, dedication, and professionalism in every interaction.
Hope
Hope is what drives us to continue this work — the desire to see a better world for kids and the optimism to believe it is possible. Hope requires tenacity and resilience, two things we are continually learning from the young people we serve.