Child welfare officials in Ontario are facing a heartbreaking reality: hundreds of children with complex needs are being housed in unlicensed settings due to the lack of appropriate treatment options. These children, who often have multiple mental health, developmental, or behavioral conditions, are left without the care they urgently require. The costs of emergency placements for these children can be staggering, reaching up to $1 million annually per child.

The situation has reached a breaking point, with the number of children in such emergency placements nearly tripling in recent years. Child welfare agencies are struggling to find suitable arrangements for these vulnerable children, leading to placements in hotels, offices, and makeshift bedrooms. The lack of treatment options and support services is a systemic issue that needs urgent attention from the government.

As child welfare leaders advocate for systemic change, the need for immediate solutions to address the crisis is clear. Until comprehensive measures are put in place, children will continue to suffer and fall through the cracks. It’s time for a coordinated effort to ensure that all children, regardless of their needs, receive the care and support they deserve.

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