The province has displayed a systemic failure to help families unable to care for relatives with developmental disabilities, which Ontario’s ombudsman says leaves the vulnerable at risk.

In his just released report titled ‘Nowhere to Turn,’ Paul Dube says he’s seen ”extreme and egregious” cases that amount to a ”modern-day version of institutionalization” and demonstrate the need for more support.

The report’s based on 1,400 complaints from families of adults with developmental disabilities dealing with circumstances such as abuse, abandonment and imprisonment.

While Dube acknowledges the province has taken steps to address the gaps, including accepting and implementing all 60 of his recommendations, he adds many families still face ”interminable wait-list delays” that sometimes see them take extreme measures.

The ombudsman says despite a recent increase in funding for developmental services, there’s a ”marked inconsistency” in how the money is distributed.