Report details ‘disturbing’ abuse against youth at the William E. Hay Centre
Author: Sadeen Mohsen
Summary: A new report reveals over 1,100 serious incident reports at the William E. Hay Centre between 2019 and 2024. These include dozens of abuse allegations and more than 260 physical restraints. The report was led by University of Ottawa PhD student Elizabeth Venczel in collaboration with the Criminalization and Punishment Education Project. It describes a consistent pattern of violence and neglect within the facility.
Advocates say the system targets vulnerable youth, many from marginalized communities, and causes long-term harm. They are calling for community-based alternatives instead of incarceration.
The Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services said it reviews reports and conducts inspections but did not directly address the findings. The William E. Hay Centre did not respond to media requests.