Irwin Elman holds an extensive background as an educator, counsellor, youth worker, program manager, policy developer and child and youth advocate. In working with young people in our "systems", he has carried out these roles with respect – borrowing from the courage and hope of the young people he served to create innovative approaches for youth in Ontario, Jamaica, Hungary, and Japan.
For over 20 years, Irwin was the Manager of the Pape Adolescent Resource Centre in Toronto: a program of the Children’s Aid Society of Toronto and the Catholic Children’s Aid Society of Toronto. Later, he was the Director of Client Service at Central Toronto Youth Services: an innovative children’s mental health centre.
As Ontario’s first independent  Provincial Advocate for Children and Youth Irwin works  to partner with children and the youth in elevating their voices to create positive change. He is building an Office that is built upon a foundation rooted in the strength and wisdom of the children and youth it serves; an Office  driven by the efforts of talented and passionate staff who, every day, strive to improve the lives of children and youth in Ontario.