Quebec Health Authority Launches Major Investigation Into Batshaw Youth and Family Centres After Three Child Deaths
Santé Québec's Bureau de l'inspectrice nationale has opened a major investigation into the Batshaw Youth and Family Centres following the deaths of three children under its care in March, including a four-year-old Inuk girl and two teenagers. Parallel inquiries are underway by the Quebec Human Rights and Youth Rights Commission and the coroner's office.
Santé Québec's Bureau de l'inspectrice nationale has launched a major investigation into the Batshaw Youth and Family Centres after three children under its care died in March. The inquiry was triggered by the death of a four-year-old Inuk girl on March 31, as well as the suicides of two teenagers earlier in the month.
The four-year-old girl, originally from Nunavik, died in a Montreal hospital while under the care of Batshaw Youth and Family Centres. She had been placed with a foster family in Montreal for several years before returning to her biological family. During the last home visit, a Batshaw worker noted that the girl was unwell and needed a doctor, but her parents were reluctant due to mistrust of white medical professionals. Sources indicated the situation should have been considered urgent, yet no Batshaw worker performed a follow-up home visit after the initial assessment.
On March 6, a 16-year-old girl died by suicide at the Prévost Youth Rehabilitation Centre in the Laurentians, a facility under Batshaw. On March 17, a 17-year-old boy who was waiting for care under Batshaw also died by suicide.
Documents disclosed through access-to-information requests reveal that 18 children have died under English youth protection services since 2019.
Alongside the Bureau de l'inspectrice nationale, the Quebec Human Rights and Youth Rights Commission is conducting a parallel investigation. Quebec's coroner's office is also investigating the three deaths.
Since April 2026, measures have been implemented to strengthen oversight and bolster staff numbers at Batshaw.