LES CENTRES DE LA JEUNESSE ET DE LA FAMILLE BATSHAW BATSHAW YOUTH AND FAMILY CENTRES

PRESS RELEASE BATSHAW YOUTH AND FAMILY CENTRES WELCOMES THE DECISION OF THE SUPREME COURT Westmount, February 14, 2013 Batshaw Youth and Family Centres (Batshaw Centres) welcomes the decision of the Supreme Court to dismiss with costs the application for leave of appeal introduced by the City of Dorval. This decision allows them to go ahead with the construction and the completion of their campus on their property in Dorval. Batshaw Centres is very satisfied with the decision because they will be able to offer better services to youths and their families which are, for the vast majority, from the western part of the island of Montreal. Batshaw Centres is concerned about the difficulty of maintaining meaningful relations between youths, their family and their community, the difficulty of a successful family reintegration and taking steps toward autonomy when large distances separate youths from their family or from a future employer. For many years, the poor state of the buildings and the actual location of the residential resources in Prvost have created major problems. This has also contributed among other things, to issues related to safety of youths and employees, to costs incurred for transport, travel time, etc. for clients, staff and collaborators. Since 1998, Batshaw Centres made tremendous efforts to develop a new campus on one site. In 2008, they chose two campuses because they could not find a site that meets the criteria and established requirements. Both campuses, Dorval and Beaconsfield, which they own, are essential for the improvement of programs and facilities for users, staff and collaborators. The decision of the Supreme Court not to hear the appeal confirms the finality of the judgments in favor of Batshaw Centres rendered by the Superior Court in September 2011 and by the Court of Appeal in August 2012. Batshaw Centres meets the developmental needs of children and youths from ages 0 to 18 years who require protection and rehabilitation services, and assists their families in assuming parental responsibilities in providing a safe and stable environment in which to grow. Services are also geared towards preparing youths to contribute positively to their community. Services are provided to residents of the island of Montreal who wish to receive them in English and to the Jewish community of Montreal in French and English.

- 30 Source: Claire Roy Communications 514-989-1885, local 1017