Kate Butler is a researcher, non-profit leader and advocate for the rights of children and youth. She holds a Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Victoria, and a MA from Toronto Metropolitan University.
Kate has authored or co-authored numerous peer-reviewed books, academic book chapters and research reports for non-profit organizations, and has worked in children’s rights for non-profits in Canada and globally.
Experience
Kate is a recognized expert in human and children’s rights in Canada and internationally, in particular children’s rights under international instruments. She has more than 15 years’ experience developing policy, programming and other initiatives focused on the application of child rights and improving outcomes for children.
She is the current president of the Canadian Coalition for the Rights of Children, as well as an associate with the International Institute for Child Rights and Development.
Memberships and Committees
- Canadian Sociological Association
Education
2013
Ph.D. in Sociology
University of Victoria
2006
Master of Arts in Communication & Culture Studies
Toronto Metropolitan University
2004
Bachelor of Arts (Hons.) Political Studies
Queen's University
Awards
2011-2013
Doctoral Recipient
Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council
Research
Research interest
Transforming child welfare
Child participation
Youth development
Publications
2023 Child & Youth Engagement and UN Review: Adult lead writer on youth engagement report for federal government.
2021 Make Our Voices Count: UN Day of General Discussion on Alternative Care. Report written for consortium of international aid organizations on children in and from government care. (research report)
2019. Right to Education for Youth in and from Care. Research report about youth in and from care and their experiences with Ontario’s education system. (research report)
2015 Butler, K. and C. Benoit. Citizenship Practices Among Youth Who Have Experienced Government Care. Canadian Journal of Sociology. (refereed journal)
2015 Butler, K. Negotiating Home: Youth-in-Care and Experiences of Home. In G. Anderson, J. Moore, and L. Suski’s Eds.), Sociology of Home: Belonging, Community and Place in the Canadian Context. Canadian Scholars Press International. (book chapter)
2012 Butler, K. Youth Gang Violence Prevention: Report on Capacity-Building. Prepared for the International Institute for Child Rights and Development and the B.C. Ministry of Justice.