The impact of waiting times, which have caused recurring and chronic problems at the Child Protection Department (DPJ), is currently the subject of a comprehensive Quebec-wide investigation.
“We have documented the problem of waiting times for children, the report of which has been retained by the DPJ, and we note that the situation appears to have worsened,” said Suzanne Arpin, Commission Vice-Presidential Member in charge of Youth Mandate, in a press release on Thursday.
The initiative comes from the Commission on Human and Youth Rights, which has decided to study waiting times and evaluate the application of measures to children cared for by the DPJ.
The organization therefore intends to focus its attention on the periods of two waiting lists, namely the waiting before the assessment of a report by the DPJ and the waiting before the application of measures when the safety and development of the child is considered to be at risk.
“This investigation is necessary because of the numerous issues identified by the Human Rights Commission in its individual investigations and the issues raised by judges in relation to rights-violating orders,” continued Suzanne Arpin.
A few months ago, stakeholders in this area could not fathom that wait times across the province could be up to 41 days – more than double on average in Montreal – to receive an initial assessment, they told TVA Nouvelles .
“Our Quebec-wide investigation will allow us to recommend systemic solutions to the well-being of some of the most vulnerable children,” added the Commission vice-president.