Youthdale Treatment Centres
| Founded | 1969 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Dan Hagler |
| Type | Nonprofit |
| Legal status | Open |
| Headquarters | Toronto, Ontario, Canada |
| Coordinates | 43°39′19″N 79°22′44″W / 43.655366°N 79.378891°W |
| Website | www |
Youthdale Treatment Centres (YTC) is a non-profit organization in Toronto, Ontario, Canada that provides mental health services for youth. It is one of three secure treatment facilities in Ontario under the Child, Youth and Family Services Act.[1]
YTC started in 1969 when Dan Hagler opened a single treatment home in Toronto for six children.[2]
It receives funding from the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of the Attorney General, and Ontario Health.[3]
YTC runs a 24 hour crisis hotline, which often is the first step in getting a youth admitted.[4]
Youth aged 16 and younger can be held in Youthdale’s secure unit for up to 30 days, youths may be given mood-altering medications. Disruptive behavior can cause the usage of chemical injections, as well as mechanical and physical restraints.[4]
Controversies
A 2010 investigation by The Toronto Star looked at provincial documents and found that Youthdale had placed some minors in secure custody even when their situation did not warrant it.
In one instance a teen's admission of unprotected sex was interpreted as a suicidal wish as it could lead to aids.[4]
In April 2024 Johnathan Stavrou filed a multi-million-dollar lawsuit in Toronto against the Children's Aid Society of Toronto, the Crown, Youthdale Treatment Centres, and many other facilities. A now primary care paramedic alleges that during his years in care as a youth he experienced arbitrary detention, solitary confinement, physical and mechanical restraints, and forced psychotropic medication at Youthdale even though he did not have a diagnosed mental disorder.[5][6]
References
- ^ "Health Secure". Justice for Children and Youth. Retrieved March 10, 2026.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ "Dan Hagler, founder of Youthdale Treatment Centres". The Globe and Mail. Archived from the original on February 2, 2017. Retrieved March 10, 2026.
- ^ "About Youthdale". Youthdale Treatment Centres. Retrieved March 10, 2026.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ a b c "Youth lock-ups blasted". Toronto Star. Archived from the original on September 8, 2024. Retrieved March 10, 2026.
- ^ "Former child in care alleges staggering abuse". Newswire. Retrieved March 10, 2026.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ "Man allegedly abused in Ontario foster care facilities sues youth centres in Brampton, Mississauga". Insauga. Retrieved March 10, 2026.
{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)