Investigations launched into Laval youth centre living conditions

The Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse launched two investigations on Monday into the confinement of children at a youth centre in Laval.

The Commission will investigate in accordance with section 23b of the Youth Protection Act, having reason to believe that rights have been violated.

“There are system issues […]. Quebec is really due for general statements on the state of services in youth rehabilitation centres. It wouldn’t be a luxury,” said André Lebon, vice-president of the Commission spéciale sur les droits des enfants et et la protection de la jeunesse, which submitted its report in 2021. “Especially when we see the crumbling of services currently.”

The purpose of the investigation is to verify whether the allegations are true and to determine if their rights are being respected.

It also aims to ensure that measures are taken to prevent the situation from recurring.

According to findings by La Presse, children as young as nine, were placed “in seclusion,” due to “disruptive behaviour,” in small rooms like prison cells, equipped with concrete beds and closed by two mesh doors.

The Commission reiterates that protecting children is everyone’s business in Quebec.

This investigation is in accordance with the provisions of the Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms and the Youth Protection Act.

Minister Responsible for Social Services Lionel Carmant said at a press briefing Monday that he finds this situation unacceptable.

“I asked the national director of youth protection to carry out an investigation with the CISSS de Laval, an administrative investigation with her team, to see what exactly is happening, because we find it unacceptable, and these are clinical issues.”

However, the proceedings are not public.

At the end of this investigation, the Commission can make any systemic recommendations public but conclusions or recommendations concerning a child’s individual situation or file will remain confidential.

For protection and confidentiality, and to respect children’s right to privacy, the Commission will not provide further details or specific information to this investigation.