A Kirkland Lake youth detention centre slated for closure next month had a 16 per cent usage rate last year, according to the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services.
Pineger Youth Centre is operated by the North Eastern Ontario Family and Children's Services (NEOFACS). The organization was notified Monday (March 1) that the program will permanently close April 30.
"As a result, our government inherited a number of youth justice facilities, including the Pineger Youth Centre (Secure Custody and Detention centre), that was significantly underused. In 2019-20 Pineger Youth Centre had a utilization rate of only 16 per cent," reads an email from the Ministry.
"Youth Justice Services will continue operating in Northern Ontario. The decision to close Pineger Youth Centre is a difficult one, however these funding changes are in line with recommendations made by the Auditor General. These actions will address the significant underutilization and save more than $39.9 million annually, funding we know can be better utilized to support moe people, including COVID-19 recovery programs."
The youths in the Kirkland Lake program are being transferred out of the facility immediately. There will be no new admissions, according to NEOFACS.
The program has the capacity to provide services to up to 12 youth at a time, said Mélanie Watson, NEOFACS communications coordinator.
Moving forward, male youths will be sent to Sterling B. Campbell House in Sudbury and females will be sent to Bruce J. McKitrick Centre in Thunder Bay, she said.
NEOFACS is also working with the nearly 40 staff affected and the OPSEU Local 665 Union
Since 2004-05 there has been a focus on prevention and education programs that has led to an 81 per cent reduction in youth admitted to custody and detention, according to the ministry.
"This means there are 8,500 fewer admissions per year now than in 2004-05," said the ministry.
