Ontario's ombudsman has initiated an independent investigation into welfare agencies' practice of housing children in hotels and other unlicensed settings due to serious safety concerns.
"We are aware of numerous incidents across the province of children being placed in these unlicensed settings, many of which have raised some serious concerns about their safety, privacy and comfort," said ombudsman Paul Dube.
Gerry Healy, crisis intervention specialist at the CAS, emphasizes the urgent need for change, stating that the current arrangement is not sustainable for the youth in care.
Advocates in Belleville, London, and Windsor report a shortage of licensed beds, escalating the issue as children are left with no better options than hotels or motels.
#child-welfare #ombudsman-investigation #unlicensed-housing #child-protection-services #safety-concerns
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