The head of Linck Child, Youth, and Family Supports in Chatham-Kent (CK) says a provincial funding crisis for children with complex needs has hit close to home.
Linck Executive Director Teri Thomas-Vanos said she had to use her office building in Chatham to shelter at least six youth over the past four years who needed extra care to deal with their developmental, behavioural, or mental health issues because their families could no longer accommodate them.
Thomas-Vanos told reporters on Thursday that CK children who need aid are getting younger and more resources are required to ease the crisis.
She noted two youths had to stay in a makeshift room in the building, with a bed and some scarce furniture, adding that one other even had to sleep in a trailer for a few weeks.
According to Thomas-Vanos, a 10-year-old stayed at the building last year for over 10 months, while a 7-year-old resided there for four months this year.
"It's not a home. It's not a place to raise a child, and because of our legislated responsibility to provide child protection services, it has become our responsibility," said Thomas-Vanos.
The Ontario Ombudsman is investigating the practice of child welfare agencies placing youth in hotels, motels, offices, and trailers.
Thomas-Vanos said the children need treatment closer to home, and Linck needs more resources, such as a larger building, more foster parents, and more funding.
"What they really need is an intensive period of treatment. They might need medication, they need assessment, they need a very structured routine and consistent approach to help them regain their wellness and get stabilized again," she added.
The nearest residential children's treatment facility is in London.
Thomas-Vanos noted that treatment usually results in children returning home to their families, and admits the last four years have been gruelling for her staff.
"Being able to capitalize on those connections, whether that's family, kin, culture, identity, or community. Having all of those protective factors wrapped around them in their home environment is the best-case scenario," Thomas-Vanos noted.
She added that Linck currently has a $3 million budget deficit and is being audited by the province.
Vanos also said Linck has taken some steps to solve the problem locally with its Foundation buying a house in Blenheim for temporary youth stays and by working on a tiny homes proposal with Ryan Donais, a former CK resident who previously received aid from Linck.
