Dr. Lisa Broda has painted a difficult picture when it comes to the challenges Saskatchewan kids are facing.

In the Saskatchewan Advocate for Children and Youth 2023 annual report, Dr. Broda says there has been an uptick in suicide attempts, mental health and addiction issues. In addition, she says there is chronic understaffing in all of the province’s child-serving ministries and that there were ongoing issues with group home care. The number of files received by the advocate’s office saw an upward trend in 2023, which is partially attributed to increased public education around children’s rights and the services offered by the Saskatchewan Advocate for Children and Youth.