Pam Costanzo of Forte Law has concluded her review into allegations brought against staff and managers in Residential Youth Treatment Services under the department of Health & Social Services.
In May of this year, allegations put personal details about youth into the public arena and cast doubt on the department of Health and Social Services
The government set up an external review of the Residential Youth Treatment Services which was led by Pam Costanzo with Forte Law.
Minister responsible for Health & Social Services Pauline Frost summarizes her findings as a problem of overcrowding and has vowed to end the practice, by attending to mental health and substance abuse problems in the communities and Whitehorse.
Of the 6 allegations reviewed which took place between 2016 and 2018, 5 were specific to mistreatment of youth, and only two were found to have merit. Therefor 3 of the five cases of mistreatment were unsubstantiated. The final allegation had to do with manager and directors covering up complaints and that too was unsubstantiated.
Pauline Frost apologized today to the youth involved and the public for reacting to allegations without all the information they needed.
Staffing training and policy changes resulted from the recommendations and fundamental change to the care system.
9 new positions for rural youth counselors have been created and the department has added a transitional home with 6 suites was the venue for today's announcement.
Ultimately the government wishes to see all children cared for and have made a 44% reduction in children in government care.
The Six Recommendations from the review which the Government says action has been taken on are:
1) That Health and Social Services seek legal advice regarding an apology to client #1
2) That a Historical Critical Incident review of this incident be initiated.
3) That Integrated Supports for Yukon Youth, Famliy and Childrens services, and Transitional Support Services initiate training concerning employees and the complaints process, and to inform children of their rights.
4) That Health and Social Services engage with client #2 regarding his experience and to provide some kind of resolution.
5) That Integrated Supports for Yukon Youth documents relating to a youth in care or custody of the director of Family and Children's Services be copied to Family & Children's Services files.
6) That the reporting structure for regional services and Integrated Supports for Yukon Youth be changed to reflect the child and family services act and clarify authority.
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