We are almost done, that is, done with
2010. Some ground was gained for the Bayne family, but so much has
already been lost. Three hundred and fifty six more days passed with the
children not overnighting, not living in the Bayne family home. 356
days added to the previous two years during which these children have
been physically separated from their mommy and daddy unless in the
company of a government ministry supervisor. Over the course of 2010,
the Baynes were at least permitted their days in court to defend
themselves against the allegations of the Ministry of Children. The
judge who heard the case ruled an increase in visitation time for the
parents, as well as granting visitation in the family home and very
soon he will render his ruling on the all important matter of
permanent custody.
I hope the journalists and cameras are
on hand when the announced ruling is delivered early in January 2011.
That ruling is expected not later than January 19th. When the Judge
returns these three children to Paul and Zabeth there should be horn
blowing and celebration. What I hope for is a repudiation of the
regional office of the Ministry of Children and Family Development that has
managed this case. More than that, I wish for a
climate change within MCFD, that Ministry leadership will listen to
the heart-cries of the people whom the Ministry is commissioned to
help. Maybe this ruling against the Fraser Valley Regional MCF can be a teachable moment for MCFD.
Parents who have experienced or are
experiencing what the Baynes have endured this long, are filled with
anger and rage. No one can blame them. They feel ambushed. Their
lives have been invaded and interrupted and overwhelmed. In some of
these cases, the continued involvement of the Ministry is technically
defensible based upon the Child and Family Community Services Act,
but is not justified based upon actual evidence. It is then that the Ministry's
engagement feels like harassment and molestation.
I do not even want to consider the
other possible outcome of the Judge's analysis of twenty-two days of
court presentations. It would be outrageous to grant the CCO in this case, to remove the children permanently from their parents. I genuinely believe that
outcome is improbable. Goodbye 2010 and the past, and hello 2011 and the future. The Baynes, a united family, free from surveillance, free to live and grow together.
