TORONTO — Ontario’s ombudsman says the province has shown a systemic failure to help families unable to care for relatives with developmental disabilities, which he says leaves vulnerable people at risk.
In a report released today, Paul Dube says he has seen “extreme and egregious” cases that amount to “a modern-day version of institutionalization” and demonstrate the need for greater support.
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The report, titled Nowhere to Turn, is based on 1,400 complaints from families of adults with developmental disabilities dealing with dire circumstances, including abuse, abandonment, and imprisonment.
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Dube acknowledges the province has taken steps to address the gaps brought to light in the report, including accepting and implementing all 60 of his recommendations.
But he says despite a recent boost in funding for developmental services, there is a “marked inconsistency” in how the money available is distributed.
And he says many families still face “interminable wait-list delays” that occasionally lead them to take extreme measures.
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