System of checks, youth feedback and a more transparent investigation process needed
TORONTO, Aug. 7, 2013 /CNW/ - It depends who's working, a report released today by the Office of the Provincial Advocate for Children and Youth finds that the Roy McMurtry Youth Centre (RMYC), Ontario's largest place of custody for youth, has yet to reach its potential. Based on extensive interviews with youth on site at RMYC and more than 200 complaints received by the Office from youth; the report finds that for many, long standing issues related to basic care, safety and rights persist.
"We acknowledge that some young people find what they need at RMYC, but for those who do not, the stakes are very high," says Irwin Elman, Provincial Advocate for Children and Youth. "When we fail these young people, we also fail the communities to which they return and the Province. We need to make sure these young people leave RMYC better off than when they arrived."
The report argues that the quality of care at RMYC and degree of youth safety is unpredictable and depends on who is working.
"RMYC needs to provide reliable and predictable care to all youth in their custody," says Elman. "This care cannot be dependent upon which staff happen to be in the building on any given day."
The report supports RMYC's mandate to meet the unique needs of youth in custody with a focus on rehabilitation and reintegration into the community. However, RMYC's numerous and well-intentioned attempts to address many of the problems do not result in effective, sustainable solutions. The report recommends that RMYC, in partnership with youth and other stakeholders, establish a problem solving approach that includes: a system of checks; and strong monitoring and enforcement of policy and practice to ensure that problems are being effectively addressed.
"Our report also raises significant concerns about the way RMYC responds to allegations from youth about mistreatment by staff," says Elman. "When young people allege assault, abuse or excessive use of force they, and all of us, must be assured that an effective, transparent and fair investigation process will take place. We do not have this assurance today and this further undermines RMYC."
The report calls on the Ministry of Children and Youth Services to ensure that investigations are conducted by an external body under the same standards that apply to child welfare workers investigating allegations at institutions and, with the permission of the young person, a copy of the investigation is released to the Advocate's office.
The report, It depends who's working: The youth reality at RMYC is available on the Office of the Provincial Advocate's website at: http://provincialadvocate.on.ca/documents/en/RMYC_report_en.pdf
About the Office of the Provincial Advocate for Children and Youth
The Office of the Provincial Advocate reports directly to the Legislature and provides an independent voice for children and youth, including children with special needs and First Nations children. The Provincial Advocate receives and responds to concerns from children, youth and families who are seeking or receiving services under the Child and Family Services Act and the Education Act (Provincial and Demonstration Schools). The Provincial Advocate identifies systemic problems involving children, conducts reviews and provides education and advice on the issue of advocacy and the rights of children. The Office is guided by the principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and has a strong commitment to youth involvement.
SOURCE: Office of the Provincial Advocate for Children and Youth
Media Contact:
Fiona Taylor, Tel: 416-420-7728, email: [email protected]
Share this article