Disturbing Sexual Misconduct at Cité-des-Prairies Rehabilitation Center
In a shocking revelation, the Cité-des-Prairies rehabilitation center in Montreal is facing a scandal involving sexual misconduct by educators towards underage residents. This institution, known for housing some of the most challenging youth cases, has been thrust into the spotlight following reports that at least nine educators engaged in sexual exchanges with five minor residents over the past two years.
Assunta Gallo, the director of youth protection at CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l’Île-de-Montréal, has characterized the situation as “serious.” She initiated an internal investigation in September after receiving reports of inappropriate relationships between educators and young residents. This investigation is now complemented by an external inquiry led by a former youth protection director, underscoring the gravity of the allegations.
The Cité-des-Prairies center, located in the Rivière-des-Prairies area, is specifically designated for youth with significant behavioral issues, including serious criminal offenses such as gun possession, murder, drug trafficking, and prostitution. The investigation was triggered by a tip-off in mid-August concerning a relationship between a young resident and his educator, leading to further inquiries revealing additional victims and perpetrators.
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Witnesses within the center have reportedly been uncooperative, creating an environment described by sources as one of “silence.” Despite this, the investigator has interviewed over 30 individuals and uncovered alarming evidence of misconduct, with some cases leading to police involvement. Gallo has emphasized the need for any additional victims or witnesses to come forward, providing a hotline for anonymous tips.
In light of the serious nature of these events, two managers from the Cité-des-Prairies center have been suspended to ensure the investigation can proceed without interference. The implicated educators have either been suspended or dismissed from their positions, ensuring that immediate actions were taken to protect the minors involved. Some of these minors have even been relocated to other rehabilitation centers in the Montreal area.
Disturbingly, the investigation revealed not only sexual relationships between educators and minors but also allegations of improper behavior from intervention agents at the center. Reports suggest that some agents were complicit, allegedly being paid to smuggle contraband like cell phones and drugs into the facility. One intervention agent was dismissed earlier this year for introducing vaping devices containing cannabis into the center. Young residents have reportedly boasted about the ability to procure sex, drugs, and other contraband within the facility, further highlighting the depth of the issue.
The union representing the educators, the Alliance du personnel professionnel et technique de la santé et des services sociaux (APTS), has publicly stated that it does not condone any inappropriate behavior. They maintain that their members are dedicated to supporting youth and safeguarding their welfare, although they have refrained from commenting on the specifics of the ongoing investigation.
The Minister responsible for Social Services, Lionel Carmant, has condemned the revelations as "more than troubling," pledging swift action and emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy for such behavior. This latest incident adds to a troubling history for Cité-des-Prairies; in 2007, a similar scandal occurred when two young educators were implicated in sexual relationships with youth residents, raising concerns about the center's oversight.
As this investigation unfolds, the community watches closely, demanding accountability and a commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of vulnerable youth in care. The results of the ongoing inquiries are expected to shed light on the extent of these issues and help restore trust in the rehabilitation services provided to Montreal's most at-risk youth.
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