On October 2, 2024, Premier Doug Ford announced that construction has officially begun to build the Ontario Line subway. At a press conference following the announcement, a reporter asked the Premier about the recent Toronto Star coverage exploring the lack of appropriate placements for children and youth with complex needs (i.e., social, emotional, developmental, mental health and addictions, etc.). In response to the question, the Premier advised that his government is undertaking an audit of the child welfare system.
It is once again disappointing that Premier Ford did not directly address the question put to him about the lack of supports, services, and appropriate placements for children and youth presenting with complex needs across Ontario. Addressing the inadequate access to community-based and out-of-home care is a responsibility that cuts across all levels of government and provincial partners, community-based organizations, and service providers in the child and youth services sector. There are persisting systemic gaps and barriers to highly specialized, intensive early intervention and prevention supports and services, as well as out-of-home care (i.e., placements, treatment) for children and youth presenting with complex needs.
Child welfare agencies work tirelessly to keep children and youth in their homes, with kin and connected to their community and culture. This type of work is intensive, demanding significant time and resources. Additionally, the types of cases child welfare agencies encounter are becoming more and more complex. In a recent survey, 39 child welfare agencies reported that the number of children or youth requiring high-cost care (i.e., over $200,000 per year) has seen a significant increase over the past three years, doubling from 174 in 2021-2022 to 354 in 2023-2024. In many, but not necessarily all cases, this refers to children and youth who present with complex needs and require highly specialized, intensive care (i.e., supports, services, treatment).
Child welfare agencies are facing systemic challenges connecting children, youth, and families to the right care, at the right time, close to home. We urge Ontario to strengthen social infrastructure in communities across the province so that children, youth, and families, including those presenting with complex needs, can access care (i.e., supports, services, treatment) that truly meets their needs.
Alongside our members, OACAS remains committed to working in partnership with the Ontario government and provincial partners, community-based organizations, and service providers in the child and youth services sector to improve access to local supports and services, including out-of-home care placements. Together, we can close the gaps and work towards integrated systems of care for children and youth with complex needs, as well as their caregivers.
