ABOUT YAO
Who We Are and Why This Work Matters
The Youth Advocacy Office is a Canadian organization focused on advancing awareness, understanding, and informed use of collaborative approaches within the youth justice system — beginning with Section 19 of the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
OUR PURPOSE
Why Section 19 matters
The youth justice system operates within a complex intersection of law, social supports, developmental science, and community. Legal proceedings are essential — but they are not always designed to surface the full context of a young person's life.
Section 19 of the YCJA exists precisely because lawmakers recognized this. It provides a formal mechanism for gathering relevant information through a structured, collaborative forum — one that can help courts and decision-makers understand what they are working with before reaching a conclusion.
Despite this, Section 19 remains rarely used. Many practitioners have never encountered it in practice. Others are aware of it but lack clear guidance on how to use it, when to request it, or what to expect from the process.
YAO was established to help close that gap — through education, awareness, research, and practical resource development. We believe that better-informed decisions lead to better outcomes for young people, families, and communities.
MISSION
To promote youth-centred decision-making and support collaborative approaches within the youth justice system.
VISION
A youth justice system where informed, collaborative decision-making helps create stronger outcomes for young people, families, and communities.
CURRENT FOCUS AREAS
Knowledge Mobilization · Professional Education · Implementation Guidance · Research & Evaluation
HOW WE SUPPORT
YAO complements the work of legal professionals, governments, and community organizations by providing education, research, and implementation resources.
LOCATION
Canada. YAO's resources are developed with attention to federal legislation and provincial variation across Canadian jurisdictions.
WHAT WE DO AND DON'T DO
Clear About Our Scope
YAO's work is focused on education, awareness, research, and the development of resources for practitioners and families. We do not:
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Provide legal advice or representation
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Facilitate conferences directly
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Offer formal implementation services
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Advocate for particular sentencing outcomes
If you are looking for legal assistance, please contact a qualified lawyer. If you have been involved in a conference process and need support, please speak with your lawyer or a local youth-serving organization.
YAO is an early-stage organization. Our team includes individuals with backgrounds in law, youth justice, social work, and policy. We are committed to producing credible, well-researched materials that reflect the complexity of the work.