The provincial director of child welfare, Marilyn Hedlund, made the following statement today regarding policy and practice following the death of a child in care.
“We are deeply saddened by the death of a child in care.
“The ministry is legally required to protect children under the Child, Family and Community Service Act (CFCSA). Legal protection of the privacy of families and children is required under both the CFCSA and the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
“This means we cannot comment on the specifics of cases. These are responsibilities that the ministry takes very seriously.
“We always prefer to keep a child within their family. When that is not possible, it’s the ministry’s responsibility to place the child in a safe and nurturing environment.
“When a child in the ministry’s care dies, we meet with the parents as soon as possible, and any others who have an important relationship to the child. The ministry offers counselling and other support services such as burial costs.
“In any instance where a child in care or a child known to the ministry dies or is critically injured, the situation is reviewed by the ministry. The ministry co-operates fully with any external review such as the Coroner’s Service, or any other investigative body.
“In addition, the new representative for children and youth has the authority to review any death of a child in care, providing independent oversight.
“The safety and well-being of children is paramount, and that will continue to be our priority.”