16-Year-Old Dillon Serious Injury

The Advocate derives his authority from the Child and Youth Advocate Act (CYAA).4 The role of the Advocate is to represent the rights, interests and viewpoints of children receiving services through the Child, Youth and Family Enhancement Act5 (the Enhancement Act), the Protection of Sexually Exploited Children Act6 (PSECA), or from the youth justice system. [...] The Advocate may investigate systemic issues arising from the serious injury of a child who was receiving a designated service if, in the opinion of the Advocate, the investigation is warranted or in the public interest. [...] Dillon was referred to a clinic; however, a full assessment was delayed because it required that he live in a stable environment for a period of time.14 Prior to the end of the three month Supervision Order, Dillon and his 14-year-old sister, Karen, were apprehended and placed in a foster home because of ongoing concerns about violence between Irene and her partner as well as their alcohol and dru [...] A 20 The Enhancement Act allows for the confinement of a child for up to 30 days for stabilization and assessment when the child is found to be an immediate danger to themselves or others. [...] OFFICE OF THE CHILD AND YOUTH ADVOCATE This recommendation was completed through the implementation of Signs of Safety, a strength-based approach that facilitates the identification of protective factors and helps young people to make supportive connections.35 However, despite this progress, supportive connections were not in place for Dillon when he was injured.