“Inadequate living conditions”: overflow units must no longer be used by the DPJ in Montérégie

The rights of young people housed in overflow units in Montérégie-Est “were wronged” by Quebec, which allowed them to be exposed “to inadequate living conditions”, according to the conclusions of the Commission on Human Rights and rights of youth.

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An investigation was launched in 2022 regarding the occupation of overflow units on the territory of the CISSS de la Montérégie-Est, in particular those which have no kitchen, no windows and whose rooms are separated only with a curtain or panel.

After visiting these units, the Commission concluded that the adolescents who have been housed in the Mirage units since 2021 “have been wronged by the minister responsible for social services”.

The young people would have been placed in these units for periods ranging from a few days to a few weeks, due to a lack of space in a regular unit and the creation of new accommodation places.

“The investigation shows in particular that young people were exposed to inadequate living conditions marked by excessive proximity, a lack of privacy and deficient arrangements,” it is explained in the conclusions published Thursday.

The Commission therefore recommends ensuring that Mirage units and those with similar characteristics “are no longer used as overflow units”.

“The accommodation conditions for young people must respect their well-being and their need for privacy, and not be dictated by lack of resources or inadequate temporary solutions,” said Suzanne Arpin, vice-president of the Commission, responsible for of the youth mandate.