What Our Advocates Do

What Our Advocates Do

Advocating for & with Young People

Advocacy ensures young peoples’ rights are upheld and their voices are respected, especially when decisions affecting their lives are being made. 

 

Advocates are here to support young people. They help you express yourself, ensure you are heard, and incorporate your wants and needs into the conversation. They’re not here to speak on your behalf, they’re here to back you up.  

"I will focus on your issues"

Advocates will really listen to what’s most important to you and make sure your voice is heard and your needs come first.

"I will create an open space"

RCY Advocates will create an open, respectful space where you can talk about whatever’s going on – no judgment, no pressure, just support.

"I will explain the rights young people have"

We will help you understand youth rights, so you know what young people are entitled to and feel confident making decisions.

"I will help you voice your concerns"

We will help you speak up for a young person if something doesn’t feel okay, and we’ll be there to help you share what’s on your mind in a way people will really listen to.

"I will keep our conversation private"

Everything you share is kept confidential, unless you or someone you know is in danger. Your privacy is respected at all times, and nothing is shared without your permission.

"I can go to meetings with you"

Advocates can come to meetings with you, making sure your voice is heard and your unique needs are prioritized.

Advocacy in Action
Everyday, young people and their families call us looking for help with a wide range of issues. Click through these stories to learn how we help.
Finding a Home for Jane
Jane, 15, lived in a group home that didn’t feel safe or supportive. Things got so hard that she started hurting herself. Her family contacted RCY and an Advocate worked with the Ministry of Children and Family Development to find Jane a new home where she could help care for rescued animals. It made a big difference in how she felt.
Getting Support for Aiden
Seven-year-old Aiden, who has autism, was struggling at home and in community due to a lack of appropriate support. His parents felt unheard in their attempts to advocate for his needs, and it was putting stress on their family. An RCY Advocate connected with Aiden’s MCFD Children and Youth with Support Needs worker and ensured that more intensive supports were provided to Aiden and his family to help prevent family breakdown.
Finding Stability for Maya
Maya, 16, had to move through a lot of different foster homes. Each move made it harder for her to stay on track with school and feel okay mentally. An RCY Advocate listened to Maya and helped her speak up about what she needed. Because of that, Maya found a stable home that respected her culture and felt like a better fit.
Supporting Liam's Mental Health
Liam, 11, was dealing with tough anxiety and depression, but he wasn’t getting the help he needed. An RCY Advocate worked with Liam, his family, and mental health professionals to get him therapy and connect him with a peer support group. Liam finally had people he could talk to—and people who listened.
Finding Resources for Emily
Emily, 24, was having a hard time living on her own. She didn’t know where to turn, until she learned she could get support through the SAJE program. With help from an RCY Advocate, Emily was able to access financial support, life skills services, and someone to guide her through the next steps. It gave her the boost she needed.
Advocacy in Action
Every day, young people and those who support them call us looking for help with a wide range of issues. Click through these stories to learn how we help.
Finding a Home for Jane
Jane, 15, lived in a group home that didn’t feel safe or supportive. Things got so hard that she started hurting herself. Her family contacted RCY and an Advocate stepped in and worked with the Ministry of Children and Family Development to find Jane a new home where she could help care for rescued animals as part of her healing. It made a big difference in how she felt.
Getting Support for Aiden
Seven-year-old Aiden, who has autism, was struggling at home and in community due to a lack of appropriate support. His parents felt unheard in their attempts to advocate for his needs, and it was putting stress on their family. An RCY Advocate connected with Aiden’s MCFD Children and Youth with Support Needs worker and ensured that more intensive supports were provided to Aiden and his family to help prevent family breakdown.
Finding Stability for Maya
Maya, 16, had to move through a lot of different foster homes. Each move made it harder for her to stay on track with school and feel okay mentally. An RCY Advocate listened to Maya and helped her speak up about what she needed. Because of that, Maya found a stable home that respected her culture and felt like a better fit.
Supporting Liam's Mental Health
Liam, 11, was dealing with tough anxiety and depression, but he wasn’t getting the help he needed. An RCY Advocate worked with Liam, his family, and mental health professionals to get him therapy and connect him with a peer support group. Liam finally had people he could talk to—and people who listened.
Finding Resources for Emily
Emily, 24, was having a hard time living on her own. Rent, bills, and everything else felt overwhelming. She didn’t know where to turn—until she learned that because she had been in care for two years, she could get support through the SAJE program. With help from an RCY Advocate, Emily applied and was able to access financial support, life skills services, and someone to guide her through the next steps. It gave her the boost she needed to start building her future.