The Saskatchewan Advocate for Children and Youth’s 2023 annual report reveals the pressing challenges confronting young people in the province. The report highlights the alarming rise in suicide attempts and suicidal ideation, as well as the prevalence of mental health and addiction issues among youth. These challenges are compounded by a shortage of available services and systemic barriers that contribute to adverse outcomes for children and youth.
The report emphasizes the chronic understaffing in all of the province’s child-serving ministries, particularly in group home care. Indigenous youth face particularly stark disparities, with 81% of children in care being Indigenous and a 30-fold higher rate of incarceration compared to non-Indigenous youth.
The advocate’s office has witnessed a surge in caseloads, attributed in part to increased awareness of children’s rights and the services offered by the advocate. However, the report expresses concern over the lack of financial support for youth over the age of 16 in the care of the Ministry of Social Services or First Nations Child and Family Services Agencies.
Families and caregivers are struggling to meet basic needs due to the rising cost of living, while youth confront mental health issues, addiction, and violence within their families. The report also points to the need for improvements in the Warrant Compliance Act, Saskatchewan Child Abuse Protocol, and the Use of Preferred First Name and Pronouns by Students policy.
The advocate’s office received 40 death reports and 49 critical injury reports related to children in the care of provincial ministries in 2023. The report notes that mental health struggles, substance abuse, and violence persist as major challenges faced by young people in the province.
The report concludes that services for children and youth are often failing to meet their needs, particularly in education, health, and social services. While investments have been made, they have proven insufficient to address the complex and pressing challenges facing Saskatchewan’s youth.
