Culture of silence at Montreal youth detention facility at centre of sex scandal
Security at the Centre de readaptation pur les jeunes en difficulte d'adaptation de la Cite-des-Prairies. (Scott Prouse / CTV News)
A new report says a culture of silence reigned over a Montreal youth detention centre where female employees are accused of sexually abusing residents, with at least one worker becoming pregnant.
The document released today on the Cité-des-Prairies rehabilitation centre is the result of an investigation into the facility ordered by the Quebec government after a report by La Presse in October.
After releasing the report, youth protection authorities told reporters that four employees have been fired — including two for sexual abuse — while two managers remain suspended without pay.
They say at least one employee became pregnant following sexual relations with a resident at the centre, which houses some of the most troubled young males in Quebec’s youth protection system, most of whom have committed crimes, including murder.
From left: Valérie Jacob, Acting Director of Human Resources at the CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Assunta Gallo, Director of Youth Protection at CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, and Jason Champagne, Director of the CIUSSS Youth Program, speak at a news conference in Montreal on Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024. (Olivia O'Malley/CTV News)
Several other employees are still suspended and Montreal police are conducting a criminal investigation after La Presse revealed allegations of sex abuse and misconduct.
Assunta Gallo, the head of youth protection at the health authority for south-central Montreal, says employees were afraid of reprisals if they reported inappropriate situations.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 17, 2024.
Canadian Press health coverage receives support through a partnership with the Canadian Medical Association. CP is solely responsible for this content.
This is a corrected story. A previous version said all four firings were related to sexual allegations.
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