One of the instructors became pregnant and delivered a child fathered by an underage inmate.
Two managers have been suspended during a continuing investigation into incidents at the Cité-des-Prairies centre in Rivière-des-Prairies, where at least one of the instructors also had a child fathered by an underage inmate, the reports say.
The health authority that oversees the centre, the CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l’Île-de-Montréal, declined an interview request with its director of youth protection Friday morning “given the fact that our spokespeople are in high demand.” CIUSSS confirmed in an email it launched an independent investigation by an external firm once it was made aware of allegations of sexual gestures involving an inmate at the centre.
“This report made us discover other elements that prompted our organization to launch the investigation,” the health authority said. “This type of situation is unacceptable and we take these allegations very seriously. … Our priority is to guarantee the safety and well-being of young people.”
CIUSSS explained the two managers have temporarily been removed from their functions during the investigation “since their teams were directly affected” and the instructors involved in the alleged misconduct have either been suspended or fired.
“We assure you that we acted promptly to protect the young people affected by these situations,” CIUSSS said. “We have put in place support measures for alleged victims and their families.”
Quebec Social Services Minister Lionel Carmant called the findings “more than disturbing” in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday, noting a police investigation is underway “to shed light on all the facts.”
“We will never tolerate situations of this kind,” Carmant wrote. “Abusing vulnerable young people is a criminal act and is subject to prosecution and conviction. Everything will be done to guarantee the protection and safety of the young people under our responsibility.”
Citing confidentiality reasons, Montreal police wouldn’t confirm whether an investigation has been launched.
The centre mostly houses offenders under the age of 18 who have committed major crimes, including murder, drug trafficking, firearms offences and pimping. It’s the centre that receives the most complex of such cases in Montreal, according to CIUSSS.
In post on X on Thursday, opposition critic for youth protection, Liberal MNA Brigitte Garceau, said she was disgusted by the situation.
“WHAT?” she wrote. “‘At least’ nine educators and ‘at least’ five young residents … And no one saw anything?”
The health authority said it expects to receive the findings of the investigation later this fall.
“In the meantime, we are proactive in identifying preventive measures, improving our practices so that such situations are immediately reported and addressed,” it said.
Those who wish to report information can contact 514-896-3100.
“It’s completely confidential,” the health authority said.