Quebec and Canada Child Welfare Systems Must Support Healing Through Quality Mental Health Care

Across Quebec and Canada, child welfare professionals work tirelessly to protect children and youth from maltreatment and to assist families navigating complex challenges. While this protective role is critical, experts argue that safeguarding children from immediate harm is only part of the equation. For true recovery and resilience, welfare systems must also ensure access to quality mental health care that supports long-term healing. The need is urgent: children who have experienced trauma often require specialized therapeutic interventions, yet many face barriers such as long wait times, limited services in rural areas, and insufficient coordination between child protection and mental health sectors. Without this integrated support, young people may struggle with emotional and behavioral difficulties that affect their development, education, and future relationships. Quebec and other Canadian jurisdictions have made strides in recognizing trauma-informed care, but gaps remain in funding, workforce training, and policy alignment. By prioritizing mental health within child welfare, governments can help break cycles of adversity and give vulnerable children a real chance to thrive. The path forward demands bold investment and cross-sector collaboration—because protecting a child from harm is not the same as helping them heal.