Talk or else

A 13-year-old in a group home complained that staff were forcing him to talk to them and share his feelings, rather than respecting his privacy.

Issues: Group home; Rights (Good care); Rights (Safety)

A 13-year-old in a group home complained that staff were forcing him to talk to them and share his feelings, rather than respecting his privacy. He said they threatened to remove privileges, like making calls to his parents or using an iPad, if he didn’t comply.* We raised the issue with the home’s supervisor, who agreed that staff should not threaten him when he does not feel like talking.

*Rights cannot be taken away as a form of punishment. Under the Child, Youth and Family Services Act, 2017, a young person in care has a right to speak in private with, visit and receive visits from members of their family or extended family regularly.

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