Why was the A4YC conference created?

Frontline workers were repeatedly told by youth that the child welfare system was not meeting their needs. They knew the system could do better and the youth were telling them how to do it. A4YC was the platform to challenge conventional ways of supporting high-risk youth and share ideas about how to serve them better.

Who started the A4YC Conference?

A4YC was initiated in 2011 by three frontline workers who were passionate about working with high-risk youth and wanted to change the way professionals supported this population.

When was the first A4YC conference?

The first conference was in 2014 and at that time, was called the High-Risk Youth Conference. The conference sold out with 400 people in attendance. In 2018, the committee chose to change the conference name to the Allies 4 Youth Conference.

Who is on the steering committee of the conference now?

The 2025 steering committee is made up of 18 professionals who work directly with youth in Edmonton. Out of the 18 steering committee members, 5 have been involved since the original conference in 2014. Everyone on the committee volunteers their time because they see the value and positive influence this conference has.

Thank you!