Indigenous kids allegedly called ‘cash cows’ of Ontario’s child-welfare system
At a group home in eastern Ontario, the owner allegedly called First Nations kids from northern Ontario his “bread and butter.”
Behind the doors of other privately run group homes, former workers say that staff and management referred to Indigenous youth sent there for help as the company’s “cash cows,” “money-makers,” or even “paycheques.”
A year-long Global News investigation has revealed how some private group homes allegedly prey on the vulnerability of Indigenous youth from remote First Nations in order to generate profit.
Indigenous youths are moved hundreds or even thousands of kilometres away from their communities to these group homes, based in southern Ontario — separating them from family, friends, and culture.
The result, according to some workers, child welfare experts and youths, are horrendous experiences some liken to the abuse that took place during the residential schools era.
Allegations of kids being violently restrained. Indigenous youths allegedly punished for speaking their languages. A vulnerable child asking visiting Indigenous social workers if they were there to rescue him.
This Global News investigation, based on leaked and other internal government documents obtained under freedom of information laws, government contract data, and interviews with more than 100 former group home workers, youths and children’s aid employees, reveals:
“People need to know that Indigenous youth are being monetized by the child-welfare system and that no cultural considerations are being made,” said a former worker of multiple group homes in the Ottawa area, who Global News is not identifying for fear of professional reprisals.
“The average person would be quite shocked and frankly horrified.”
Group home companies
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