Child and Youth Advisory Council (CAYAC)
Applications for CAYAC are closed for the 2023-2024 year. Applicants will next be considered for the 2024-2025 year, starting in May 2024.
The Child and Youth Advisory Council (CAYAC) is a diverse group of youth volunteers, ages 12-21, from around Calgary and southern Alberta.
Please consider applying for CAYAC if you are between the ages of 12 and 16, have an interest in improving the health care system and health care experiences for other youth, and you fit at least one of the following criteria:
- Have significant experience as a patient* of Alberta Children's Hospital, the Child and Adolescent Addiction and Mental Health Program, or other health care facilities
- Are a sibling or family member of a child or youth who has had significant experience as patient* of Alberta Children's Hospital, the Child and Adolescent Addiction and Mental Health Program, or other health care facilities
- Live with a disability or chronic health condition
- Are a youth from a diverse background
- Have experienced adversity in your life which has had an impact on your overall health, mental health or well-being
- Live in a Southern Alberta community outside of greater Calgary (Red Deer South)
* patient experience refers to inpatient, day patient or outpatient experience
CAYAC meets six times a year in-person at the Alberta Children's Hospital on Saturdays. Mileage costs are covered for out-of-town members.
At each meeting, CAYAC members provide input from a youth perspective on Alberta Health Services child health programs and services. They also do small group consultations and offer a youth voice at relevant meetings and conferences. Members are registered with AHS Volunteer Resources.
More details about CAYAC are available here.
To apply to join CAYAC click the 'Sign Up' button to the right and complete the application form.
You will be contacted to discuss your application.
