In the spring of 1999, the Premier announced the formation of a Youth Secretariat to be housed in the Ministry of Children's Services. The Terms of Reference identify the role of the Youth Secretariat as follows:

"...to identify key themes for the government focus and to build on existing initiatives and partnerships to provide a mechanism through which issues impacting youth at risk (13 years of age to 22 years of age) can be identified and addressed. Working through the Minister and the Deputy Minister, the Secretariat will collaborate with other departments and community stakeholders; the Secretariat will identify and work to address the needs of adolescents".

In June 2000, a Youth Advisory Panel (YAP) was established to provide an ongoing youth perspective on all work done by the Secretariat. With the creation of this panel, Alberta provides youth with the unique opportunity and privilege to be involved in government advisement.