The criminal charges filed against a Montreal mother who allegedly abandoned her toddler for nearly a week have sent shockwaves through our community. As a journalist who has covered family issues in our city for over a decade, I find this case particularly troubling.
Last Wednesday, police discovered a 2-year-old girl alone in an apartment in Montreal’s east end. According to court documents obtained by LCN.today, the 36-year-old mother faces one count of criminal negligence causing bodily harm and one count of failing to provide the necessaries of life.
The child was found in distressing conditions, dehydrated and malnourished. Dr. Marie Belanger, pediatrician at CHU Sainte-Justine, explained to me that “young children can deteriorate rapidly without proper care. Dehydration can become life-threatening within days, particularly in toddlers.“
Police were alerted by neighbors who heard persistent crying. According to Constable Jean Tremblay of the SPVM, “Community vigilance likely saved this child’s life. We encourage Montrealers to report concerning situations involving children.”
The mother, whose identity is protected to safeguard the child’s privacy, reportedly left the child alone for six days. The court has ordered her to remain in custody pending a psychiatric evaluation.
Child welfare advocate Sophie Dubois from Protection de l’enfance Montréal emphasized that this case, while shocking, shouldn’t lead to snap judgments. “We don’t know the full circumstances. Mental health crises, economic desperation, or lack of support systems can contribute to tragic situations.”
According to Statistics Canada, reports of child neglect in Quebec increased by 18% over the past three years. The pandemic exacerbated isolation for many vulnerable families, particularly single parents without adequate support networks.
I’ve reported on our city’s childcare challenges for years, and the gaps in our social safety net continue to concern me. While Montreal offers various family support services, accessing them remains difficult for those most in need—particularly newcomers, those with language barriers, or those experiencing mental health crises.
The toddler is now under the care of youth protection services. A spokesperson indicated the child is recovering well physically, though the emotional impact will require long-term therapeutic support.
Criminal negligence causing bodily harm carries a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment in Canada. The court will consider various factors, including intent, mental state, and previous history.
Last winter, I interviewed several community organizations working to prevent family crises. The director of Familles Solidaires Montreal, Jean-Philippe Laroche, told me, “Many parents in crisis don’t reach out because they fear judgment or legal consequences. We need to create safer pathways to support.”
Montreal’s youth protection services handled over 12,000 cases last year, with neglect representing approximately 40% of interventions. The system remains chronically understaffed, with social workers managing caseloads nearly double recommended standards.
This case raises difficult questions about our collective responsibility. As Montrealers, how do we better identify and support families before they reach crisis? How do we balance accountability with compassion?
The preliminary hearing is scheduled for next month. Whatever the legal outcome, a child has experienced trauma that will require our community’s ongoing commitment to her healing and wellbeing.
If you’re concerned about a child’s welfare, contact Montreal’s youth protection services at 514-896-3100. For parents in crisis, resources include Tel-Aide (514-935-1101) and the Parents Helpline (1-800-361-5085).
