Megan Ogilvie

Child welfare agencies are reporting a dramatic increase in children and youth in unlicensed placements, many as a result of complex medical needs.

Last-resort placements are painting a picture of a situation where Ontario’s most vulnerable children are the least likely to get help. Part 1 of a series.

Last-resort placements are painting a picture of a situation where Ontario's most vulnerable children are the least likely to get help. Part 1 of a series. Last-resort placements are painting a picture of a situation where Ontario's most vulnerable children are the least likely to get help. Part 1 of a series.

With a lack of support and an inability to safely keep their 16-year-old at home, the Ontario family is part of a disturbing trend.

With a lack of support and an inability to safely keep their 16-year-old at home, the Ontario family is part of a disturbing trend.

With a lack of support and an inability to safely keep their 16-year-old at home, the Ontario family is part of a disturbing trend.

It took 12 months to come up with a plan to address the crisis facing Ontario's most vulnerable children. Two-and-a-half years later, the province has not acted — and the situation has gotten worse.

Advocates and opposition MPPs urged the province to respond to high numbers of kids with complex needs ending up in the care of child welfare agencies.

Ford's comments came in response to a Star reporting that Ontario children with complex health needs are being housed in hotels, Airbnbs and office buildings because they are unable to get the specialized treatments they need.

Ford's comments came in response to a Star reporting that Ontario children with complex health needs are being housed in hotels, Airbnbs and office buildings because they are unable to get the specialized treatments they need.