Three children died within a span of several weeks this past March while receiving services from Montreal’s anglophone youth protection agency, according to information obtained by The Gazette.
Sources familiar with the situation at Batshaw Youth and Family Centres say two of the children were waiting for scheduled home visits from social workers at the time of their deaths. A third youth died by suicide while being housed in a Batshaw-operated unit in Prévost.
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CityNews contacted the CIUSSS de l’Ouest-de-l’Île-de-Montréal for comment. The organization declined to discuss the individual cases, citing confidentiality and the privacy of the children, youth and families involved.
They said in a statement:
“Every death involving a child or youth is a deeply sad event. However, caution should be exercised in the interpretation and presentation of data, as the circumstances surrounding each death must be considered individually. When a situation of concern is brought to our attention, it is subject to rigorous analysis. Appropriate follow-ups are carried out and concrete measures are put in place when necessary to ensure the continuous improvement of our practices and services. Over the years, the challenges faced by young people and their families have become more complex. Despite this increased pressure, our organization continues its efforts to improve access to services, reduce delays and support responders on the ground.”
Officials also said they fully cooperate with the appropriate authorities whenever an independent audit, investigation or review is required. They added that they will “remain committed to an ongoing process of evaluating and improving our interventions with young people and families.”
CityNews has also contacted the Quebec coroner’s office for comment and is awaiting a response.
