Children and Family Services Minister Searle Turton told reporters in the legislature last week that the government is focused on ensuring those under 18 are looked after.
Alberta’s child and youth advocate, Terri Pelton, opposes a proposed bill that would limit death reviews to individuals aged 20 and under, currently extending to 22. Pelton argues this change would hinder support for emerging adults transitioning out of care, as her office, which received 83 notifications of serious injuries or deaths in 2023-24, relies on these reviews to improve services. The government, however, claims the change will focus resources on younger children under 18. An alternative suggestion from another advocate is to increase funding for Pelton’s office to better support younger children.
