Quebec investigation into the impact of wait times for children in youth protection
Posted February 15, 2024 9:20 am.
Last Updated February 15, 2024 9:57 am.
The Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse announced on Thursday that it has launched a systemic investigation into the impact of wait times for children in the Direction de la protection de la jeunesse (DPJ).
In a press release, the Commission explains that this Quebec-wide enquiry is motivated by recurring and chronic problems that have been observed.
Commission’s vice-president responsible for the youth mandate Suzanne Arpin, points out that they have observed numerous problems throughout its individual investigations and issues raised by judges in court regarding rights being infringed upon.
The Commission says it has documented the issue of wait times for children in the DPJ but it seems to have worsened.
It says it hopes the Quebec-wide inquiry will recommend systemic solutions for the well-being of the most vulnerable children.
The Commission’s investigation will focus on delays in two areas: the wait before a report is assessed by the DPJ and the wait to receive services once the child’s safety and development are considered compromised.
The Commission invites anyone who believes that the rights of a child whose situation is being handled by the DPJ have been violated to contact it.
The investigation is not public, but when it is completed, the Commission says it may reveal the investigation’s systemic recommendations.
This report by La Presse Canadienne was translated by CityNews.
