Santé Québec has ordered an independent review into youth protection services in Montreal’s West Island following the deaths of three children in March under the care of Batshaw Youth and Family Centres, the province’s anglophone youth protection agency.
BACKGROUND: 3 children died while in care of Montreal’s Batshaw Youth and Family Centres
The review will be conducted by Quebec’s Bureau de l’inspectrice nationale (BIN) and will examine whether there were systemic failures in Batshaw’s youth service that led to the deaths.
“It’s a new pair of glasses to see on the whole trajectory that we are doing in the youth protection and to see what we can improve,” said Amine Saadi, the associate executive director of Santé Québec Ouest-de-l’Île-de-Montréal – Universitaire.
“We know that they are not perfect, but we want to improve also the quality and mainly the safety of those kids at the DYP (director of youth protection) as well.”
In a news release issued Tuesday, Santé Québec said it requested the review following “various events” within its youth services in the West Island and “concerns about the quality, safety and continuity of services offered to youth and their families.”
The BIN has been given a dual mandate that includes an organizational assessment aimed at improving practices, as well as an administrative investigation into whether services complied with existing rules and standards.
The inspector’s office will also evaluate the action plan Batshaw has implemented in recent months.
“Throughout the process, the BIN will ensure, when necessary, that safety nets are put in place for users,” Santé Québec said.
“The goal is let’s take a step back to work harder to try to improve the quality of services, but also to save those kids,” added Saadi.
Depending on its findings, the office may recommend “management-related interventions, propose corrective measures, or initiate any other intervention deemed appropriate to ensure the quality and safety of services.”
Lesley Hill, Quebec’s national director of youth protection, offered her full support for the independent review.
“This process will provide an objective and impartial perspective, shed light on the circumstances surrounding these situations, and identify any necessary improvements,” Hill told CityNews in a statement. “Furthermore, it was agreed to maintain regular communication with Santé Québec to ensure continuous monitoring of the case’s progress and to keep me informed of any relevant developments. Every child’s death remains a tragic event.”
The review comes after three children died within several weeks of each other in March. Two were waiting for scheduled home visits from social workers when they died, while a third youth died by suicide in a Batshaw-operated residential unit in Prévost.
Two of the deaths were first reported by the Montreal Gazette last week, while the third was reported by La Presse in March.
“Living up north is a very difficult experience for youth to go through. And we’re not acknowledging the experience of the youth enough,” said Elijah Olise, the founder of the Holistic Afro Youth Center.
Hill says the deaths were brought to her attention in March and April.
“I am deeply saddened for each of these children and adolescents, for their families, and for the professionals involved,” she wrote. “I can assure you that each of these situations has been thoroughly analyzed by the institution’s competent authorities, pending the results of the coroner’s inquests.”
Santé Québec said it will receive ongoing updates as the review progresses to ensure any necessary actions are implemented promptly. It added the investigation’s conclusions and recommendations will help strengthen their services “in the best interests of young people, their families, staff members, and the entire health and social services network.”
The announcement comes amid growing calls for a public coroner’s inquiry into Batshaw and Quebec’s youth protection system following the deaths.
“The real people who have evidence of what is not working – and even what is working – have not had a chance to have their stories heard,” said Leith Hamilton, a former Batshaw employee.
Advocates say whatever the investigation entails, it must focus on testimonies from youth.
“There needs to be a conversation with those who’ve been in care, who are in care, and understand exactly what is occurring and what has occurred,” said Olise.
Santé Québec says the BIN’s final recommendations will be made public, but could not confirm whether the investigation’s process will be. It also couldn’t confirm if it would investigate the circumstances of the three deaths.
