Former kids in care sue N.S. government over 'segregation-like conditions'
CBC
WARNING | This story contains a description of self-harm during a mental health crisis.
Three people who were once children in the care of the province are suing the Nova Scotia government for what they say were “segregation-like conditions” in the Wood Street Centre, a provincially run facility for children in Truro, N.S.
The lawsuit focuses on the Wood Street Centre’s use of what are called “therapeutic quiet rooms” or TQRs.
These are rooms where a child can be locked inside if staff believe the child’s behaviour is causing a risk to themselves or others.
But the plaintiffs allege staff used the TQR for reasons that included talking back, not following orders, speaking out in class, or having private conversations with other children.
“It was crushing because it's like: ‘If I do one thing wrong or I say one thing wrong, I could be sent there and it's going to suck,’” said Gabriel Leblanc, one of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit filed in the fall.
Leblanc, now 21, spoke to CBC News about the lawsuit in a recent interview at his home in the Halifax area.
Leblanc says he lived in the Wood Street Centre in 2021 for a little less than a year. At that time he was 16 years old.
The Wood Street Centre is for children in care deemed to have an emotional or behavioural disorder. The facility is divided into two sides comprising an 18-bed “residential” and 20-bed “treatment” facility.
“You could be put in the TQR for cursing, you could be put in the TQR for throwing a punch. You could be put in the TQR for yelling,” said Leblanc.
“It was really up to the staff. It was their discretion and they were never questioned on it.”
The province has not yet filed a statement of defence, and the suit’s claims have yet to be tested in court. CBC News reached out to the province asking for comment on the lawsuit.
In a statement, a spokesperson for the Department of Opportunities and Social Development wrote, "The safety and well-being of the children and youth in our care is always our priority. Our work is guided by the legislation, regulations and is focused on their best interests. "
The statement added that staff act using "professional standards" and "strong dedication."
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