A child and youth advocate in New Brunswick says the province’s child protection system failed to provide adequate support to a young person who later died from a drug overdose.

The case has renewed concerns about gaps in care for vulnerable youth involved with social services, especially those facing mental health and substance use challenges.

According to the advocate, warning signs and opportunities for intervention were missed despite the youth having contact with the protection system before their death.

The advocate argues that stronger coordination between child welfare agencies, mental health professionals, addiction services, and community organizations is needed to prevent similar tragedies.

The report surrounding the case highlights broader systemic issues, including insufficient resources, lack of stable housing options for at-risk youth, and difficulties accessing timely addiction treatment.

Advocates say many young people in care face complex trauma and require long-term, specialized support that current systems often struggle to provide.

The overdose death has prompted calls for reforms aimed at improving accountability and ensuring vulnerable children do not fall through administrative gaps.Officials in New Brunswick have acknowledged the seriousness of the concerns and say they are reviewing the circumstances surrounding the case.The incident comes amid growing national attention on the opioid crisis and the impact it is having on young Canadians.

Community groups and child welfare experts continue to urge governments to invest more heavily in prevention programs, mental health care, and addiction recovery services tailored specifically for youth in care.