Thursday, August 19, 2010
Criminal Negligence - Sad Story
Vancouver Sun carries the story today that charges will be laid against a foster mother in whose care Chris Martell's son Evander died. I told his story earlier. Account #2. Account #3
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I note Chris has a facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/cmartell2
ReplyDeletewhere he puts the various news stories into some context.
In following the theme of public enquiry which Chris is trying to get financial support for, a related story link to an Ottawa child who also died of drowing at daycare lists criteria to order an inquiry:
To order an inquiry, Clark said the probe must first:
• answer all of the questions surrounding the boy’s death,
• determine whether the general public needs to know the circumstances,
• and determine if a jury could make recommendations to prevent similar deaths in the future.
Kids should not have to die in order to get questions asked and answered.
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The last point about a jury recommendation would be effective in the Baynes case to suggest something like substitute a 3-month supervision order instead removal of children when there is no derogatory history, and the one doctor claiming SBS non-accidental has conflicting diagnosis claiming otherwise.
Interestingly, there is a comment by the minister of child protection in that Province, social Services Minister Donna Harpauer who states her concern about changes to legislation that would update privacy laws to permit better investigation. In short, she is saying "go away."
ReplyDelete1. A review of the files would be difficult to complete, Harpauer said.
2. "To review all the files would be extremely difficult and
3. would take additional staff," she said.
4. "We're on a paper system and those files are in different offices throughout the province."
5. Changing legislation to provide families -- and the public -- with more information about deaths in foster homes and subsequent investigations could harm the government's recruitment efforts, Harpauer said.
6. "The amount of negative publicity that fostering has is a deterrent for people to consider becoming a foster family," Harpauer.
7. "That then puts more stress on the system."
8. A lengthy debate would have to precede any legislative changes, she said.
9. "There are a number of things that would have to be debated before we decide to change the Privacy Act," Harpauer said.
To restate the strategy of child protection, various ways to frustrate investigation is to:
- Keep a paper-based filing system.
- Avoid centralization, don’t bother entering completed files into a central system
- Delay investigations by 6-months to a year while the heat dies off
- Initiate lengthy debates or studies, or wait completion of investigations before doing anything
- Use the privacy act to keep even general information from the public
Money is saved by:
- Understaffing offices
- Putting more children in foster homes beyond capacity (more kids per social worker)
- Reducing foster home checks
Foster care recruitment involves:
- Hiding disturbing facts from prospective foster families
- Suppress, or downplay negative news stories
The population is 1,041,700 of which 297,160 are kids (2006 census), and kids in foster care amount to about 1,700. One out of every 600 people, or 1 child in care for every 175 children. As the population is a quarter of BC, there would likely be about 7,500 child protection calls each year. There are likely 500-700 foster homes (if an average of 2-3 kids per foster home). The Chilliwack area alone, I believe I heard a figure of 100 foster homes.
One statistic I would be interested in acquiring is, over the 19-year lifetime of a child, what is the percentage chance of that social services will somehow touch a child?
The proximity of this story also puts a bit more suspicion on the timing of the release of the aboriginal piano-loving foster child that was in the news last week.
Government never has sincerity to meaningfully reform child protection law. It's interest is to protect the CP industry.
ReplyDelete"The amount of negative publicity that fostering has is a deterrent for people to consider becoming a foster family," Harpauer.
ReplyDelete----------------
If Harpauer was my employee, they'd be fired just for making that stupid, corrupt statement alone.
I wonder if the pianist foster kid, aka "Frankie Bones," story isn't going to expand into some major defence of foster parents/parenting; I now see that none other than Carole James, the leader of the NDP, has taken the time to speak out on this terribly important issue (i.e., whether some kid gets to go to Washington). I wonder where was she when all the parents were losing their children to corrupt MCFD practices.
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting also to note that the recent article points out that Carole James is a former foster parent. Of course this will be presented as a glowing example of her desire to serve, and paint fostering as a great altruistic deed, and something in need of all true blue NDP-ers' support.
The only party, as far as I can see, that would begin to solve the child protection problem is the Libertarian party. Unfortunately, most people don't even know who they are, as they have done a crummy job of public relations, and the media hasn't helped matters. They are, however, the only party that will really get at the root of the problem. Anyone who has ever had their child stolen by the government, or who may have their child stolen by the governemnt (i.e., everyone) should seriously re-think their politics if they are an NDP-er, a Liberal, or even a Conservative, as all these parties believe, and behave as if, government is the solution to our problems. Right now, government has almost total power and almost zero accountability. That's why the premier can get falling down drunk and then get in a car and drive like a maniac, thereby committing a serious crime which could have cost lives, and there are no real consequences. That's why, no matter who your MLA is, they will not really do anything to help you if MCFD has taken your child.
Although I should note that Paul and Zabeth do have the support of a local politician, who sounds like he has sincerely tried to do something for them, including (if I am correct) helping with the legal defence fund by purchasing Zabeth's grand piano. If someone remembers his name, I'd appreciate knowing it. Thank you. He sounds like a good person.
Anon 10:16 PM
ReplyDeleteI respond to a couple of things you have written.
1. If you have become familiar with the Frankie Bones story then you know that he has been with these foster parents since he was one year old, and they have devotedly cared for him until he is now 18 years of age. They were the ones who provided the musical opportunities and nurtured them and encouraged him. They are a supreme example of commendable foster parenting. And there are others like them. I take issue with your insinuation that fostering cannot be an altrustic service.
2. MCFD's position on this case appears to be focused upon control and that is unfortunate. Franckie must still finish his final year of high school whether that is here or in Washington. MCFD will review all other musical educational possibilities closer to home, yet in all probability it will say no to his Washington opportunity. Even so, he will eventually become a concert pianist because in one year he will be 19 years of age and make his own decisions.
3. Marvin Hunt is a Surrey Councillor and he is the one whose name is one of three trustees for the Bayne Trust Fund. Rather than the Baynes having anything to do with the monies, the trustees are the ones who decide how funds will be dispersed to meet expenses. He is an honourable man and a great friend to the Baynes.
4. In making your point about government having power and no accountability, it was unnecessary to use the Premier's drunk driving as your illustration.
Today, Saturday Aug 21, I have posted a notice that Frankie Bones was granted permission by MCFD to study in Washington State. First MCFD through one of its lawyers threatened police involvement to keep him here. Then it capitulated due to the high publicity media conference that was held.
ReplyDelete