Ontario’s largest youth group home operators alleging that kids were treated in an “abusive” manner and the company’s key figures “enriched” themselves at the expense of vulnerable children in their care.The Ontario-based law firm Siskinds LLP has launched the suit and is seeking $50 million in general and special damages and an additional $10 million in punitive damages on behalf of children or young persons who have received residential care from Hatts Off.The lead plaintiff is Jamar Morrison, who was 12 years old when he was placed in a Hamilton-area group home operated by Hatts Off.Morrison said he is still traumatized from his time as a resident and often wakes from “night terrors” with images of kids being physically restrained and screams still echoing in his mind.The proposed legal action, he hopes, will be a “wake up” call for all for-profit group home companies across Ontario’s child-welfare system.“Children before money,” Morrison said. “That’s what the overall message is.
Children need to feel safe. They need to be cared for. They need to feel loved.”The class action has not been certified and none of the allegations have been proven in court.Hatts Off operates nine children’s group homes and at least 16 foster homes across southern Ontario.
These homes take in children and youth who’ve experienced abuse or have complex mental health needs.Gordon Naylor, the company’s founder and president, declined to address a detailed list of questions about the proposed legal action.“This lawsuit is baseless and unjustified,” he said in a statement.