The Protecteur du citoyen received a report concerning the Centre de réadaptation pour jeunes en difficulté d’adaptation de Val-du-Lac, in Estrie. Vulnerable adolescents housed in one of its units allegedly did not have access to adequate living conditions.
The Protecteur du citoyen decided to investigate.
Findings
The investigation revealed that the premises where the unit was located did not provide a healthy and safe living environment. The corridors were narrow, the living areas were too far from each other, there were no washing machines or bathrooms, etc. The layout and design of the premises greatly complicated the work of the staff. This had significant consequences on the hygiene, well-being and safety of the residents.
The Protecteur du citoyen also identified other problems, including:
- A lack of qualified staff within the unit
- Very high staff turnover
- A lack of flexibility with regard to the dietary needs of the adolescents living there
- A lack of knowledge of the complaint management process
Since the intervention of the Protecteur du citoyen, these premises have been deemed unfit for housing. The Protecteur du citoyen regrets that these young people, who need stability, are still being housed in temporary units. Given the inevitable closure of these units, the adolescents are subject to frequent moves.
Recommendations
The Protecteur du citoyen has issued five recommendations and two follow-up requests to the institution responsible for the rehabilitation centre, the Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux de l’Estrie - Centre hospitalier universitaire de Sherbrooke. They aim to provide adequate services and a stable living environment for the adolescents concerned.
The institution has accepted all the recommendations and follow-up requests. The Protecteur du citoyen will closely monitor the situation.
See also: Intervention concerning a rehabilitation centre in Estrie
