Inappropriate child welfare housing under investigation in Ontario [Video]

Ontario’s ombudsman is launching an independent investigation into the practice by welfare agencies of housing children in hotels, motels, trailers and offices, and the provincial government’s response to it.

The provincial ombudsman’s office announced its investigation in a news release on Thursday, after “several reports about children being inappropriately housed in these settings.”

“We are aware of numerous incidents across the province of children being placed in these unlicensed settings, many of which have raised some serious concerns about their safety, privacy and comfort,” ombudsman Paul Dubé said in the release.

According to Dubé’s office, some children’s aid societies have said they turn to these settings because they lack better, realistic options, especially in more challenging cases.

Through a spokesperson, Dubé declined an interview request Thursday while the investigation is active.

WATCH | The problem in the London area last year:

The Children’s Aid Society (CAS) of London and Middlesex says it’s run out of placements for youth. It’s had to resort …