An investigation by the Ontario Ombudsman found the York Region Children's Aid Society failed to respect the rights of a 16-year-old girl who repeatedly asked for a foster placement before she died.Ontario ombudsman Paul Dubé has determined that York Region Children’s Aid Society failed to respect the rights of a 16-year-old girl who repeatedly asked for a foster placement before she died.
According to the report, Mia was told by staff that a shelter was her only option, even after three homes operated by external providers met her needs and had space. Additionally, staff told the Ombudsman that York CAS put pressure on employees to not offer foster placements as part of a strategy to reduce the number of children admitted to care.
When decisions about Mia's care were being made in late 2019, the report said VYSAs were still relatively new and rarely used, with some staff noting they had received minimal training when they first came into effect. In response, Skerritt said the organization has "made some significant changes in the way that we're working."When asked if youth in similar circumstances today would be told they had nowhere appropriate to send them, she said the organization has "an issue with a shortage of available foster homes," adding she is encouraging more people to try to become foster parents.
The Ford government eliminated the provincial watchdog role in 2018 but swept many of the responsibilities under the Ontario Ombudsman's purview — something Elman said is inadequate.
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