The system that is supposed to protect Quebec’s most vulnerable children is under strain: about 1,000 vacant positions, exhausted employees, close to 5,000 children awaiting an assessment… and still no one to speak on their behalf.
The National Director of Youth Protection, Catherine Lemay, has been in office for almost two years. She was appointed in March 2021 by Minister Lionel Carmant, following the tabling of the report by the Laurent commission. This commission was set up following the tragic death of a 7-year-old girl, known to the DPJ, in Granby, in 2019.
The authors of this explosive report also recommended the creation of a commissioner for the welfare and rights of children – a kind of ombudsman like we find in Ontario.
In today’s environment, this position is more relevant – and urgent – than ever. However, we are still waiting for someone who will speak loud and clear on behalf of the most vulnerable young people in society.
The one who will shake the cage of the system when it slips or does not fulfill its mandate as is too often the case.
While waiting for him to be appointed, it should come as no surprise that all eyes are on the National Director, Catherine Lemay. Expectations of him are high. Too big? The question is valid. Indeed, there seems to be some confusion about its mandate. He is criticized, for example, for not taking up the defense of children in the public square when in fact, it is not his role, but that of this future commissioner who is so long overdue.
Her own role, and Mme Lemay reiterated this many times in interviews, it is to harmonize services, to make the system more efficient and to implement the recommendations of the Laurent commission, a priority for Minister Carmant as well, he assures us. -we.
We must therefore applaud the rapid adoption of the new Youth Protection Act, a year ago, which put the interests of the child above all else. And there is no doubt that Mme Lemay and his team are working hard behind the scenes.
The problem is that neither network employees nor the public are able to appreciate the work done.
Has the creation of a National Department of Youth Protection improved the situation of children? Two years later, it is very difficult to answer this question. It is a problem.
Youth Protection should draw inspiration from Public Health. How ? By communicating more and being more transparent.
Can you imagine the Director of Public Health never addressing the population and not reporting on his work?
No. The DSPQ is visible and its information is easily accessible and popularized.
The same should apply to the National Directorate of Youth Protection.
Mme Lemay should also take to the field more often. In two years, she has never toured the facilities under her responsibility. Her employees don’t know her and don’t know what she does.
We are told that it is easier to have access to Minister Carmant than to his deputy minister. It is not normal.
The National Director should also put in place clear and easily accessible indicators, other than annual reports, which would inform the population about the performance of her network. Such performance indicators exist in Ontario.
The more information is available, the more the population will be aware of the situation of vulnerable children.
Currently, those who work within the DPJ speak of their network as a presto ready to explode. It is feared that another tragedy like the death of the little girl from Granby will occur. These employees can speak through their union. The children themselves have no voice.
The appointment of a Commissioner for Children’s Welfare and Rights is more necessary than ever.