WARNING: This article contains sensitive details After three children died in March under the province’s English-speaking youth protection care, Batshaw Youth and Family Centres employees are being interviewed this week by Santé Québec as part of an investigation into the deaths. In an email shared with CTV News by a current Batshaw employee, the union representing Batshaw employees informed members on Oct. 26 that they may be summoned for a meeting as part of the Bureau de l’inspectrice nationale (BIN) investigation. The Batshaw employee was granted anonymity to protect their job. They told CTV News they have not yet been contacted for a meeting, but are aware that two colleagues were interviewed on Wednesday. “It’s a process worth having,” the Batshaw employee told CTV News in a phone interview. “They need to be able to explore and reflect and certainly examine how we ended up where we ended up, and what happened and what changes are required for the future.” In a statement to CTV News, the union, Alliance du personnel professionnel et technique de la santé et des services sociaux, said it stands by its employees and offers them support. “The death of a child is always traumatic for our members,” the statement reads. “An investigation is necessary to shed light on the facts and determine who is responsible, but we hope it will be conducted with respect for our members, whom we will continue to stand by and support during these difficult times.” In July, Santé Québec asked the BIN, an independent body under the health agency, to examine the causes, potential shortcomings, challenges, risks, and areas for improvement in service delivery after three children died in March under Batshaw’s care. The BIN said it will also assess the measures already in place by Santé Québec – Ouest-de-l’Île-de-Montréal, the health authority responsible for Batshaw. In March, a 16-year-old girl and a 17-year-old boy died by suicide. A four-year-old girl who showed signs of abuse and malnutrition also died. The Montreal Gazette and La Presse first reported the three deaths, and they were later confirmed to CTV News by a Batshaw employee. In a statement to CTV News, Santé Québec said it would not disclose further information about the meetings while the investigation is ongoing. “However, it takes all necessary steps to shed light on all matters falling within its mandate,” a Santé Québec spokesperson said. “Data collection and analysis are still ongoing. Numerous documents are undergoing the necessary verification, and several witnesses have been or are being interviewed, or are still awaiting an interview.” The health agency said it will submit a report to the relevant authorities once the analysis is complete. The Quebec coroner is also investigating the deaths. The Batshaw employee said recruitment, retention, budget cuts and persistent demand are part of a longstanding issue at youth protection services. “This may be one step in many different processes, but it’s about time. It needed to happen. I think a lot of my colleagues would say the same thing,” the Batshaw employee told CTV News. If you or someone you know is in crisis, here are some resources that are available. If you need immediate assistance, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital.
