{"id":823238,"date":"2026-07-24T14:42:12","date_gmt":"2026-07-24T14:42:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/823238\/"},"modified":"2026-07-24T14:42:12","modified_gmt":"2026-07-24T14:42:12","slug":"three-children-died-while-receiving-services-from-montreals-batshaw-youth-and-family-centres","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/823238\/","title":{"rendered":"Three children died while receiving services from Montreal’s Batshaw Youth and Family Centres"},"content":{"rendered":"

Three children died within a span of several weeks this past March while receiving services from Montreal\u2019s anglophone youth protection agency, according to information obtained by The Gazette.<\/p>\n

Sources familiar with the situation at Batshaw Youth and Family Centres say two of the children were waiting for scheduled home visits from social workers at the time of their deaths. A third youth died by suicide while being housed in a Batshaw-operated unit in Pr\u00e9vost.<\/p>\n

CityNews contacted the CIUSSS de l\u2019Ouest-de-l\u2019\u00cele-de-Montr\u00e9al for comment. The organization declined to discuss the individual cases, citing confidentiality and the privacy of the children, youth and families involved.<\/p>\n

They said in a statement:<\/p>\n

\u201cEvery death involving a child or youth is a deeply sad event. However, caution should be exercised in the interpretation and presentation of data, as the circumstances surrounding each death must be considered individually. When a situation of concern is brought to our attention, it is subject to rigorous analysis. Appropriate follow-ups are carried out and concrete measures are put in place when necessary to ensure the continuous improvement of our practices and services. Over the years, the challenges faced by young people and their families have become more complex. Despite this increased pressure, our organization continues its efforts to improve access to services, reduce delays and support responders on the ground.\u201d<\/p>\n

Officials also said they fully cooperate with the appropriate authorities whenever an independent audit, investigation or review is required. They added that they will \u201cremain committed to an ongoing process of evaluating and improving our interventions with young people and families.\u201d<\/p>\n

Guillaume Cliche-Rivard the head of health and social services for Qu\u00e9bec solidaire commented on the incidents by calling them \u201cunacceptable and deeply concerning for the well-being of vulnerable children\u201d.<\/p>\n

Cliche-Rivard said in a statement:<\/p>\n

\u201cThose shocking events highlight the consequences of budget cuts and shortages of qualified staff resulting from years of underfunding by the CAQ government in both the anglophone and francophone youth protection system. Minister Carmant must now explain how the situation at Batshaw was allowed to deteriorate to this point, meaning that vulnerable children were left months without receiving the support and services that were needed. The minister must, without delay, announce emergency measures that will ensure the safety and well-being of children under the care of Batshaw Youth and Family Centres. I also urge the Commissaire au bien-\u00eatre et aux droits des enfants (CBEDE) and the Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse (CDPDJ) to investigate this matter, establish the facts and recommend any necessary corrective measures. My thoughts go to the grieving families, the children affected by this situation and the frontline workers affected by these tragedies.\u201d<\/p>\n

CityNews has also contacted the Quebec coroner\u2019s office for comment and is awaiting a response.<\/p>\n

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