The right balance

A 16-year-old youth complained to us that staff at his group home threatened to lock the refrigerator after he helped himself to food at night when he was hungry.

Issues: Group home; Rights (Good care); Rights (Get help)

A 16-year-old youth complained to us that staff at his group home threatened to lock the refrigerator after he helped himself to food at night when he was hungry.

He had lodged an internal complaint at the home, but still felt his concerns weren’t being heard. Our staff spoke with his children’s aid society worker, who told us the youth has a medical condition that requires his food intake to be monitored closely. After our inquiries, both the youth’s worker and the owner of the group home spoke to him about his concerns, including the reason for the food restrictions. The youth reported to us that he now feels his concerns were taken seriously, and things in the home have since improved.

Learn more about the Children and Youth Unit which answers questions and takes complaints about child protection services.