Office of the Child and Youth Advocate
February 17, 2009
Child and Youth Advocate�s Investigation of Mental Health Services
Ongoing
The Child and Youth Advocate, Darlene Neville, today
responded to concerns expressed in the media that she has not been
fulfilling her mandate to advocate for a youth who is presently an
inpatient at the Waterford Hospital.
Neville confirmed that the Investigation into the
December 2008 closure of Unit J4D at the Janeway, the only inpatient
psychiatric unit in the Province for children and youth, is currently
underway and is the number one priority for the Office of the Child and
Youth Advocate. While she recognizes the public has a strong interest in
the outcome of this Investigation, Neville stated that she cannot
comment on the Investigation until the process is completed. The report
of the Investigation, including its findings and recommendations, will
be publicly released.
In response to recent comments in the media concerning
individual cases, Neville confirmed that her mandate is to protect and
advance the rights and interests of children and youth within the
Province. Discussing details of ongoing treatment of any youth in the
public forum would not only constitute a violation of the privacy rights
of the youth but could also jeopardize ongoing treatment. For this
reason, Neville is not prepared to discuss individual cases in the
media.
The Advocate stated that her position that youth
should be treated in appropriate child and youth facilities has been
clearly stated and communicated to the relevant authorities. Neville
confirmed, however, that the Child and Youth Advocate has no authority
to require Eastern Health or any other Health Authority or its
physicians to admit, treat, transfer or discharge any patient.
Media Contacts:
Shirley Prior
Office of the Child and Youth Advocate
709-753-3636
2009 02 17
3:54 p.m.
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