Manitoba children's advocate concerned about pepper-spraying kids in custody

The Manitoba government says a review is underway into reports that some teens in youth jails are being punished excessively with pepper-spray and other methods.

The province's children's advocate, Darlene MacDonald, says some teens have told her they have suffered from pepper-spray, restraints and isolation while being held in custody.

MacDonald says it appears that the methods are sometimes being used not as a last resort to prevent violence, but to modify the teens' behaviour.

MacDonald told CBC 19 youth in custody have expressed complaints.

"When we're aware of pepper spray, or see it as or we hear about it as a last resort, it and the children are telling us its being used for behavioural problems and also you know these children have mental health issues so it it is quite concerning," MacDonald said.

"We were very concerned that this was happening and feel that we have to open a systemic case to take a look at this and to look and try and correct what is happening."

MacDonald said there were 61 child deaths that qualified for review by her office, that is, in which the family or the child were involved in child welfare servicesin year before the death. Fourteen of those were children in care at the time of their death.

Last year, six children died in care, she said, while the year before saw 15 deaths of kids in care.MacDonaldsaidthe yearly average is around 60 reviewable deaths, based on data since 2008.

"One child is way too many, but it's actually still too early for us to look at any trends," she said.

Families Minister Scott Fielding says a review in conjunction with the provincial ombudsman has been launched to ensure that standards and protocols are in place and being followed.

MacDonald says a large part of the problem is that youth jails need more programs and support for kids who have complex mental health needs.

She also says Manitoba continues to have the highest rate of youth incarceration, and more than half the teens being held are awaiting trial.

She says some are being held because they have nowhere to go while awaiting trial there are not enough foster placements for teens with complex needs.

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