DISCLAIMER: The following article discusses allegations of child abuse.
Ontario’s former child advocate, Irwin Elman, has stressed the importance of transparency regarding the Children’s Aid Society (CAS) accountability amidst the ongoing trial of two women accused of the fatal abuse of a 12-year-old boy they were seeking to adopt.
Elman, who served as an independent watchdog until his office was closed in 2019, expressed skepticism about the likelihood of full disclosure from CAS, emphasizing the inherent secrecy within the child protection system.
The trial involves Brandy Cooney and Becky Hamber pleading not guilty to charges of first-degree murder, confinement, assault with a weapon (zip ties), and neglecting the basic needs of the boy’s younger brother.
Commencing in mid-September at Milton Superior Court, the trial resumed recently with Cooney concluding her testimony in December before the holiday recess. Hamber is expected to provide her defense.
The tragic incident unfolded when the Indigenous brothers, under Ottawa CAS jurisdiction, were under the care of Cooney and Hamber in Burlington in 2017. The older brother passed away, and the younger sibling was removed from their custody in December 2022 following a distressing discovery by first responders.
Despite both Halton and Ottawa CAS conducting internal child death reviews and implementing changes based on external assessments, specific details of the reviews and alterations have not been disclosed.
Halton CAS emphasized its commitment to understanding the case and enhancing the safety of the children and families it supports. Both CAS agencies cooperated fully with law enforcement and other relevant authorities.
The trial, overseen by Justice Clayton Conlan, has shed light on numerous concerns regarding CAS’s decision-making processes and supervision practices concerning the adoption of the boys by Cooney and Hamber.
Elman highlighted significant lapses in judgment and procedural non-compliance within CAS based on trial testimonies, emphasizing the critical need for transparency to regain public trust.
While the boy’s death does not mandate a coroner’s inquest, the Office of the Chief Coroner clarified that such inquiries are typically reserved for specific circumstances, such as deaths in state custody or involving law enforcement.
The province revealed an ongoing audit of CAS agencies primarily focused on financial aspects rather than addressing systemic issues, prompting calls for broader reforms.
Both Halton and Ottawa CAS acknowledged the necessity for improved collaboration among service providers to prevent similar tragedies in the future while refraining from divulging case-specific details due to ongoing legal proceedings.
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