Full-body searches down by 56% at Quebec youth protection centres

Director of Youth Protection Lesley Hill is committed to reducing the use of searches—both superficial and full—in rehabilitation centers. According to figures from the Ministry of Health and Social Services, full searches decreased by 56 per cent between April 2025 and March 2026.

In total, during this period, 5,127 full searches were conducted. For superficial searches, there were 7,531, representing a 66 per cent decrease.

A ministerial directive was issued in July 2025 to better regulate searches in youth centers. Prior to this directive, the Direction de la protection de la jeunesse (DPJ)’s expectations were communicated to the entire network, which allowed for “a rapid adjustment of clinical practices” and, ultimately, a reduction in the use of searches, the ministry noted in an email sent to La Presse Canadienne.

In an interview with the news agency, Hill clarified that strip searches are prohibited in rehabilitation centers. This type of search involves a visual inspection of the genital area. “It’s prohibited,” she emphasized. “That’s really important. It’s the first thing we want to clarify.”

Two types of searches are permitted for minors. There are superficial searches, during which the young person’s personal belongings are inspected and the person is scanned with a metal detector. Then there are full-body searches—which are prohibited for children under 14—during which the young person undresses in a room, puts on a gown, and hands their clothes to a staff member. Then there is “a visual inspection, but not of private parts,” notes Hill, who acknowledges that this is intrusive and that the number of such searches must be reduced across the province.

Furthermore, many youth in rehabilitation centres have experienced sexual abuse. This makes it all the more important to find “alternative approaches” for these individuals, since any form of control can re-trigger trauma, emphasizes Hill, who was also a member of the Special Commission on Children’s Rights and Youth Protection (CSDEPJ).

We cannot aim for zero

When asked if there are too many full-body searches of minors in Quebec, Hill responds that it is not possible to aim for zero. She explains that in Quebec, minors, whether they are under the Youth Protection Act or the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA), end up under the same roof, in the same rehabilitation centre.

“We can expect to see a few more searches—both types—involving young offenders because they’re involved in more serious criminal activities, sometimes with street gangs, drug trafficking, and weapons trafficking. Not all of them are held in detention. Some are released into the community and then return to the facilities,” explains Hill.

Department data also shows that fewer than 10 per cent of youth in custody are searched. In other words, it is often the same youth who are searched.

Searches are conducted for the safety of residents, staff, and visitors. And some youth hide items, says the national director of youth protection.

“We’ve had young people who’d tape drugs to their genitals with gray duct tape… Of course, it’s the metal that concerns me more. I understand that we don’t want drugs circulating in the facilities, and a metal detector won’t find drugs. But at the same time, it’s too intrusive,” says Hill.

She is trying to transform what she calls “old-school rehabilitation.” For example, a youth who runs away and has a history of violence—perhaps having already threatened a staff member with a weapon—will most likely be subjected to a full body search. “But if it’s a youth who isn’t known for that kind of violence, just because he runs away doesn’t mean we need to search him. It’s really these automatic responses that we’re trying to eliminate.”

The balance is delicate, however. “My concern is that we’re finding things. It’s not just e-cigarettes. […] I have photos of knives, drugs, and four- or five-inch nails—things like that that have been confiscated,” says Hill. She believes her main focus for the coming year is to ensure a significant downward trend in the number of searches, while maintaining safety on campus.

Reacting to the latest data from the Ministry of Health and Social Services, MNA Guillaume Cliche-Rivard of Québec solidaire said he was “somewhat relieved that the issues raised regarding full-body searches in youth centers are prompting reflection on this practice and that we are seeing a decrease.”

“Nevertheless, it seems we are still a long way from implementing an exceptional measure, even though that is what the law requires. It is not right that such intrusive practices take place several thousand times a year. This means that several times a day, minors—who are under the direct responsibility of the state—are still subjected to these searches. That is far too many,” he added.

–This report by La Presse Canadienne was translated by CityNews

— La Presse Canadienne’s health coverage is supported by a partnership with the Canadian Medical Association. La Presse Canadienne is solely responsible for this journalistic content.