There are calls to shut down a youth prison in Ontario due to its unsafe conditions. The Toronto Youth Assessment Centre is where young people go when awaiting trial. Ontario's Child Advocate says that high levels of peer violence exist at the centre due to idleness, limited meaningful programming, and inadequate intervention. She says there is also inattention to basic-care needs.

A senior official at the centre reported that there are between two and 20 incidents of violence a week.

Public attention has been focused on the prison after a young person committed suicide while inside. There is to be an inquest into his death this month. A lawsuit has also been filed against the centre and the Ontario government by the family of the youth. The lawsuit states that jail staff failed to prevent the young person from hanging himself while in custody, even though they had been warned he was suicidal.

The Ontario government has asked for a review of the facility and has long term plans to build a new facility. For now the prison will remain open.

Source: (for full article) The Toronto Star