Manitoba’s family services minister is investigating services contracted out to look after at-risk youths.

The provincial government confirms more than $13.7 million was spent in the 2012-2013 year to farm out services for children housed in group homes and hotels.

On company in particular, Complete Care, received more than $8 million.

A social worker tells CTV the private care is a short-term solution because some of the workers are not qualified to look after the kids in care of Child and Family Services.

Attention to the issue came to light following the murder of 15-year-old Tina Fontaine, who was housed in a hotel and ran away. Her body was found in Winnipeg in the Red River in August.

CTV first reported police had contact with the teen when she was missing but did not take her into care.