Former Children in Care Seek Justice for Inhumane Treatment and Unlawful Solitary Confinement at Wood Street Secure Care Centre

Kjipuktuk, Nova Scotia (June 18, 2026)

Proposed Class Action Seeks to Hold the Nova Scotian Government Accountable for Alleged Unlawful Treatment and Confinement of Children in Nova Scotia “Treatment” centre

PATH Legal has filed a proposed class action on behalf of children who were confined in the “Therapeutic Quiet Room” (TQR), a form of solitary confinement, at Wood Street Secure Care Centre and Wood Street Residential Treatment Centre in Truro, Nova Scotia.

The lawsuit alleges that children were placed into solitary confinement for a variety of unlawful reasons, including having private conversations with other children, speaking out in class, and mental health concerns. The claim further alleges that children were often left in the solitary confinement for extended periods of time and were subjected to additional mistreatment, including being denied water, food, a bathroom, or medical assistance.

The proposed class action also alleges that the children were subjected to physical abuse and humiliation tactics while in the TQR, including rough or unnecessary restraints and being left naked or threatened with such treatment.

“The TQR is a plague to our foster care system and it, along with all other forms of solitary confinement for youth, needs to be stopped.” – Gabriel Leblanc, one of the Representative Plaintiffs

Almost all children held at Wood Street Centre are in the care of the Nova Scotia Government. Children are admitted to Wood Street Centre only if they are experiencing emotional or behavioural challenges. These children are among the most vulnerable in Nova Scotia. The lawsuit alleges that the Province of Nova Scotia breached its duty to provide appropriate and adequate care and protection to the children held at Wood Street.

“Ever since I began hearing from young people about their experiences at Wood Street and particularly the use of solitary confinement as discipline, I have been deeply concerned about the harms to vulnerable youth in the care of our provincial government. Solitary confinement is a dangerous and harmful practice that causes lifelong damage and there should be no place for this torturous practice in institutions whose stated purpose is mental health treatment and support.” – Emma Halpern u.calder@pathlegal.ca

If you were put in the TQR during your time at Wood Street and are interested in becoming a class member, please fill out this form OR reach out to Ursula Calder at 902-292-0683 or u.calder@pathlegal.ca.

The Court must still certify the proposed class action before it can proceed. Contacting the intake line or completing the form does not determine class membership or eligibility, which will be addressed through the legal process.