The Protecteur du citoyen received a report concerning the quality of services provided to people with serious behavioural disorders. These people are housed in continuous assistance resources (RACs) of the Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux (CISSS) de Lanaudière. The Protecteur du citoyen decided to investigate.
The investigation focused on six RACs established in recent years to meet the growing demand for rehabilitation accommodation. These facilities accommodate people with severe behavioural disorders, violent tendencies and multiple disabilities.
Findings
The investigation revealed a difficult work environment and issues affecting all six facilities. Some of the problems identified were exacerbating users’ behavioural difficulties to the point of compromising their rehabilitation. For example:
- Unsuitable and inadequate premises that cannot ensure the safety of staff or residents;
- Lack of staff training for dealing with serious behavioural disorders, following established protocols, etc.
The investigation also revealed a lack of medium- and long-term planning. Some facilities set up for emergency purposes, such as the RAC Saint-Louis, present challenges in the organization of rehabilitation services. Temporary arrangements remain in place with no real plans for relocation.
According to the Protecteur du citoyen, the CISSS’s response was not commensurate with the urgency of certain situations. It was found that services had been poorly planned and that the CISSS was unable to fulfill some of its obligations toward these vulnerable people.
Recommendations
The Protecteur du citoyen has made four recommendations to the CISSS de Lanaudière. These relate namely to staff supervision and training, as well as the relocation of RAC Saint-Louis users.
The CISSS has accepted all the recommendations. The Protecteur du citoyen will closely monitor their implementation.
Intervention Report on Six RACs of the CISSS de Lanaudière (PDF, 231 Ko, in French only)
