Cases are on the rise at youth protection centres across Quebec

In the West Island alone, there was a 16 per cent increase in cases reported to the Batshaw Youth and Family Centres in 2021-22 compared to the year prior.

Youth protection centres across Quebec are trying to keep up with demand as caseloads increase.

There were 12.5 per cent more cases reported across the province in 2021-22 compared with the year prior, according to a report issued by the CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l’Île-de-Montréal.

In the West Island, it was even higher, as caseloads increased by 16 per cent during the same time period, according to Linda See, the youth protection director of the CIUSSS de L’Ouest-de-L’île-de-Montréal.

“There are a lot of people needing help. And they’re not really sure where to go,” See told Global News.

Increases in cases were registered in almost every category and among the highest included psychological abuse, physical abuse and neglect.

See says a lot of it was due to COVID-19 and the stresses the pandemic put on Quebec families.

“If they come knocking at our door we’re going to respond and we’re going to open the door and give them services,” she said.

Staff at the new Batshaw facilities are trying to cope with the increase in demand. The centre opened in early May and it’s already full to capacity.