Placement by the DPJ too often leads to homelessness
A significant proportion of young people placed by the Youth Protection Department (DPJ) are at greater risk of experiencing unstable housing situations and even homelessness, concludes a large study conducted by researchers from the École nationale d'administration publique (ÉNAP) . Quebec must improve support for these children when they become adults and leave the network, advocates say.
The Longitudinal Study on the Future of Young People in Care (ÉDJEP) reached more than 800 young people in 2018, including nearly 720 who had left the state placement system. One-fifth (19%) of the sample reported experiencing at least one episode of homelessness in the year following their departure.
"The more young people have been displaced in their trajectory, the more they are at risk of experiencing homelessness," explained researcher Martin Goyette, who participated in the development of the report, at a press conference.
When he turned 18, Kevin Champoux-Duquette "lost the support" of his workers," laments the young man today, who lived in youth centres for 11 years. He mentions "lack of services for young people" after they leave the youth protection system.
"I had to sleep outside. I had to sleep on gravel lots, in porticos. These are all unacceptable things," he said on the sidelines of the press conference.
Residential instability
For those who manage to find housing, the future is not much brighter, according to the study. Around 45% of those surveyed say they have a "temporary residential situation".
"What this demonstrates is the importance of taking an interest in the issue of the transition to adult life. We need to find ways to ensure that residential stabilization continues well after the age of 18" – Martin Goyette, full professor at ÉNAP
Government adjustments?
Mr. Goyette suggests thinking about the end of the period of care for young people placed by the DPJ. The American philosophy of " extended care ", which extends beyond the age of majority, is an avenue to consider.
"This is so that everything does not stop at the same time," he says.
The general director of the organization Dans la rue, Cécile Arbaud, echoes the same sentiment. "We need to extend assistance beyond the age of 18, to facilitate access to school, social services, and housing."
Extending the state's support would make it possible to reduce the already significant responsibilities of community environments, recalls Ms Arbaud.
"We must not allow homelessness to become the way out. We don't want them to come to us," she says.
The Special Commission on Children's Rights and Youth Protection (CSDEPJ) , led by Régine Laurent , is a first step, underlines Martin Goyette. However, the commission must respect the voice of young people, according to the professor. "That they are heard is a central element," he says.
