Drug toxicity was one of the most frequent causes of death among young people in the provincial welfare system over the last 12 months, a new report shows.
Alberta’s Child and Youth Advocate investigated the deaths of 47 children and youth who had been involved with the child welfare network. Advocate Terri Pelton’s office also investigated one serious injury case.
Of the 48 total cases reviewed – which spanned from April 1, 2023, to Mar. 31, 2024 –10 youths and children died from drug and alcohol abuse.
At the time of their passing or serious injury, 12 were in care; 20 were receiving child intervention services; and 16 had received services within the prior two years. Eleven were under the age of six, and 35 were Indigenous.
Pelton says it’s deeply concerning to see youth as young as 12 use substances, specifically referencing two teenagers who died at the ages of 16 and 17 from fentanyl and methamphetamine toxicity.
The 48 investigative reviews will be compiled into a consolidated investigative review report that will make recommendations to government officials. It’s expected to be released in the fall.
