On November 16, 1999, a legal action was started against our family by kidnaping our child - an apprehension to use the legal euphemism.
Before we knew anything about it, Tina Berryman, an employee of Molly Maid who had cleaned our home once, made a complaint. Our home near Orangeville Ontario is too large for my wife Linda and me to clean, so we have a maid service. Tina Berryman has no statement on record, only a paraphrase by a social worker. It appears the maid was appalled that the house needed cleaning when she arrived.
On Tuesday November 16, around 10 am, two people showed up at our door wearing smiles but clearly hostile, inviting themselves into our home. I refused them permission to enter. There were a few words exchanged, in which they identified themselves as representatives of Children's Aid with a complaint that there was a lock on our child's door. I ended the discussion by closing the door.
At 6:15 pm the same day, two policemen came with a woman from Children's Aid, showing a warrant authorizing them to apprehend our son, Ken aged 3 years. I respected the warrant, but declined to answer any substantive questions until talking to a lawyer. After my wife talked to the police for an hour, one of the policemen told me our child would be left with us if I removed a broken crib from Ken's room, otherwise Ken would be taken to a foster home. I retreated to my office to call a lawyer, but since the raid was after business hours, it took 15 minutes. I removed the crib and they took Ken anyway. I gave him a goodbye hug and he was gone. They did not really suspect abuse, because they did not examine Ken before taking him.
Linda got to visit Children's Aid on Wednesday and Thursday, on the second visit they even let her visit Ken for a while. She took a toy and clothing for Ken both times and recognized when Ken was having a bowel movement, requiring her to leave for a clean diaper. These facts were misrepresented in the CAS affidavits.
We got a lawyer, Evelyn Huber, to represent us and Friday morning we were informed that Children's Aid intended to apply for crown wardship, meaning that we would never see Ken again. I am a graduate of six foster homes and two boarding schools, and I know from personal experience just what a nightmare they are. Our care of Ken was heaven compared to that.
The next Monday at 10 am we went to the Orangeville Courthouse with our lawyer, and she worked out a consent agreement with Children's Aid, under which we could get Ken returned in nine days provided we complied with six listed conditions. As part of the consent, we were permitted to visit Ken for one hour each weekday.
At 3 pm I saw Ken for the first time since his abduction, Linda for the second time. We had to enter a building with a sign affixed to the window "Lesbian and Gay Positive Space", and in smaller type, "This is a place where human rights are respected, and where gays, lesbians, bisexuals, their friends and allies are welcomed and supported". Every door has a locking mechanism, many operated by remote control. Ken entered, and we were ushered to a closed room with a one-way mirror allowing observation from the adjacent room (it had open blinds on it), several surveillance cameras and concealed microphones. Ken had a sad-sack look, more depressed than any I had ever seen before. It took him a half-hour to regularly smile. When he realized that we were leaving, he cried intensely in a way that we had never seen before.
For six more consecutive weekdays we saw Ken under the same conditions. Later, Kim James filed thousands of words of affidavits using our visits as evidence against us. On Tuesday Ken's spirits were improved. Children's Aid had agreed Monday to let us take Ken for a haircut, but Kim James reneged. After Wednesday's visit two social workers, Kim James and Nina Little, met with us. Kim opened the questioning by asking "How do you feel?". That was quite a question from a kidnaper.
On Tuesday November 23, a reporter from the Toronto Sun, Jean Sonmor, visited us at home to get our side of the story, and on Wednesday she called Children's Aid, to get their side. Also on Wednesday, our lawyer called with a gripe that there was material on the internet about our case that Children's Aid considered libelous. Hard to understand, because most of what I had posted was merely verbatim copies of their documents. Still, I sent them an email offering to correct any libels (copy below). They did not respond, but the next day's treatment may be their response.
On Thursday we met Ken at 3:15 pm for an hour. During the session I took a too-loud toy cell phone from Ken, ignoring his 20 second tantrum, then he climbed contentedly onto my lap. Kim James and her supervisor Kim Evans came in after the visit and questioned us about the six conditions in our consent. We were in compliance with all, except that the day-care arrangements were under way and not yet completed. Then they asked questions unrelated to the consent, and after five minutes I suggested that Linda should stop giving answers outside the scope of the consent. Switching from friendliness to hostility, they said they would find us not in compliance with the consent and announced that they were going to proceed with crown wardship taking Ken from us permanently. When Ken cried today, they said, I did not comfort him. So we had accomplished nothing. Reviewing the agreement, the writing did not get us Ken back December first, that was merely their oral promise.
That evening I had to call a suicide prevention line to get help for my wife, and later drove her to the hospital emergency room for sedatives to make it through the night. To maintain family harmony, I had to end all efforts at exposure through the press or the internet.
Friday we saw Ken for another hour uneventfully. On Monday we saw Ken again, this time with Linda's brother Eric, who had flown in from Denver to lend his support during the family crisis. Ken attacked the Venetian blinds in the CAS office, and to rebut the contention of Children's Aid that Ken's destructiveness was our illusion, I did not interfere with him as I otherwise would have. In the CAS account of this event they fear a danger that could only occur if I sat by doing nothing while my son choked to death. Tuesday's meeting with Ken was in the same room with the still-broken blind, but otherwise uneventful.
On Wednesday, we went to the courthouse to get our son returned. CAS added a blizzard of new documents to the case, and demanded that he be kept in custody for several more months. This precluded an agreement, but no judge was available to hear the case, even after an all-day wait. However, the next afternoon, Thursday December 2, 1999, a judge did hear our case and ordered Ken returned to our custody immediately. Ken was freed at 4:30 pm. From Ken's speech, I inferred that he was fed waffles in captivity.
On December 7 we took Ken to see Dr Murphy, in compliance with the judge's conditions. I took along a large clear plastic garbage bag filled with a quarter cubic meter of toys that were in the home at the time of the raid, though I could have taken three such bags. We got there 20 minutes early, time that Ken spent cheerfully playing with toys. As soon as Dr Murphy entered the room, Ken became sullen and uncommunicative. Dr Murphy asked Where's your belly-button?", and Ken just cried. It took him two minutes to respond by showing the doctor his stomach. Afterwards I inquired why Ken's attitude was so negative, but Dr Murphy insisted that his previous meeting with Ken had gone well.
The CAS affidavits up to this point made many allegations too broad to characterize as true or false, but eleven of the definite facts alleged by Kim James and eight of those by Trish Cox, even basics such as names and phone numbers, were false to my personal knowledge. Paulette Smith denied making the statements attributed to her in the affidavit supporting the warrant.
On January 19, 2000 a consent agreement was worked out at the courthouse ending the claim for crown wardship, but with a finding that Ken is in need of protection. I would have chosen to litigate before a judge in preference to the consent, but that would have been too damaging to the family without Linda's approval. This left us open to Children's Aid marching an army of social workers into our home (three visits a week on average) indefinitely. If we object, we become repeat offenders, enhancing their chances of getting Ken into an orphanag... oops safe home.
The attitude of CAS, and research into the law, convinced me to pursue political remedies. An exchange of letters starting with my elected representative in the provincial parliament, David Tilson, was a dead end. In January I found that anyone could become a member of Children's Aid by paying three dollars, and did so. Shortly thereafter, CAS sent us an intimidating letter, threatening to put us on the Child Abuse Register. From this, and other actions, I know CAS understands that they can not intimidate me, but can scare Linda. She was terrified, so I had to proceed slowly. As a member I requested a copy of the bylaws, finding that CAS has 17 directors, 12 elected by the members, and 5 appointed by local politicians. I addressed Mono Council on this subject on March 8, 2000. As a CAS member I requested a membership list, finding that before I joined, there were just 32 members. The bylaws give members the right to attend board of directors meetings, and on April 19, 2000 I did so. It was a chilling experience - all of the atrocity planners did so with unbroken smiles. There I learned that the annual general meeting of CAS was to be on June 20, 2000. The bylaws provided for a cutoff date of at least 30 days before the meeting; only members as of that day are eligible to vote in the election. In the month up to the cutoff date, still not using newspaper publicity, I signed up as many members as possible and on on May 18, 2000 I deposited papers with CAS nominating Lillian Brewer and me as candidates for director at the annual meeting. From this point on, CAS workers and David Thwaites lost their smiles in dealing with me. I sent out proxy solicitations to the 32 original members, and got to the meeting with three members loyal to our side, and 12 proxies. Before the meeting Linda suggested alerting the Orangeville Banner, breaking press silence.
The president of CAS and meeting chairman, Mark Van Horne, treated us like adversaries in a court proceeding. We found out that CAS had recruited 40 new members. According to Patti Lowe, a member of our team who helped count the votes, they were mostly social workers and policemen. The vote count appears in sequence below.
The day after the meeting, CAS filed a new set of court motions, apparently designed to keep us in court forever. They moved to compel us to attend an assessment at Chedoke-McMaster hospital, and scheduled a motion to be heard a week later extending supervision for another six months. The supporting affidavits suggested that all of Ken's development while growing up was the result of successful intervention by CAS. In this second round of litigation, they were much more brief and accurate, avoiding the petty factual errors of the first round.
At the oral hearing June 28, 2000 both David Thwaites and Evelyn Huber spent most of their time putting different spins on a letter from Dr Bakht. He did not agree with the paraphrase by Trish Cox. Trish Cox had an assistant, Jennifer Diamond, with her before the lunch break. Another lawyer, Gillian Shute, a friend of Evelyn Huber sat in on the hearing after the lunch break.
In his opinion, Judge Allen noted that there was resentment of CAS by McQuaid, then he went into the entry onto the Child Abuse Register as a justification for the resentment. He dismissed the CAS motion to compel the Chedoke-McMaster assessment.
On July 5, 2000 there was another hearing, again before Judge Allen. An assistant substituted for David Thwaites. The subject was the motion by CAS to extend the supervision by six months. The two lawyers explained that the business before the court was setting a date for the trial on the extension, probably in four months, with vive voce evidence. The dispute today was whether the supervision would remain in force during the period up to the trial. On his own initiative, Judge Allen requested the two parties to consent to trying the issue of the extension of supervision using the existing record. David Thwaites might have refused, but after a ten minute recess, both sides agreed. The lawyers commented on the record, CAS claiming the need for continued supervision to ensure implementation of Dr Bakht's recommendations. The judge again criticized CAS for putting us on the Child Abuse Register, and noted that the parents could take care of Kenneth without help from CAS. He dismissed the supervision order immediately. So we did not even have to wait until July 19 to be free.
I welcome calls from readers in Dufferin County Ontario who have had experience with CAS, or who are willing to help reform CAS. Call me, Robert T McQuaid, phone 705-744-6274, or email rtmq@fixcas.com, or check the Dufferin VOCA website.
You can read the story chronologically by bypassing the contents.
Document contents
Description of our home and case discussion.
In 1999 Ken had a behavior I call a rampage. Linda alluded to it with Kim James, who then misrepresented it. During a rampage, Ken threw objects, hit people, tipped things over, knocked things out of the grasp of adults, and later added spitting and biting. This developed from age 18 to 30 months. Our response was to remove dangerous items from the area where he runs free and to lock him away from things not for him, such as computers. The most controversial lock was the one on his room. Following age two years, this lock confined him during periods of rampage (three uses a week was typical), and as he became more adept at picking outside locks, we locked it every night to avoid finding him dead in the pool in the morning. Otherwise, Ken roamed through about 1000 square feet, larger than many apartments, with windows on three sides, he could (and did) get my attention at any time by opening my office door, or banging it if locked. We managed to keep things under control everywhere except in his own room, where he routinely disassembled his bed, the closet doors, crib, carpeting and heating vents. He pulled on the curtains, leaving an exposed curtain string far out of his reach, and there was a missing globe on his lamp, also far out of his reach. Karen Bowers, of Friends at Hand-in-Hand daycare, gave me the cause of the problem (which I will not repeat) and I was able to work out a treatment. Within a few weeks I stopped the biting and spitting, the other symptoms disappeared gradually over four months. Aside from Karen Bowers and William Weiner, the advice and opinions of all the professionals involved in this case have been worthless.
The CAS legal case started out as:
Large amounts of mud-slinging were included.
(1) The lock on his door was used as above.
(2) We do not live with the level of filth alleged by CAS, instead our home is bug-free. Neither of us are excessively neat, that is why we hired a maid. I clean the kitchen daily, between cleanings things pile up. On days the maids came, I didn't clean the kitchen at all. I clean all food accidents outside the kitchen immediately. We have never had mold in our home except for spoiled food at the back of the fridge.
(3) The safety allegations consist of calling anything out of place a hazard, no matter how far-fetched. A missing globe on a lamp, and an exposed curtain rod, both out of the child's reach, were cited as hazards. The missing heating grates were more of a hazard to adults than to children. In studying this kind of litigation, something I never did before the raid, it appears that false filth and safety allegations are commonplace. Children's Aid missed for weeks the real hazard, from which Ken was well protected by multiple locks - the swimming pool.
(4) On complete evaluations of Ken's development, he is at or above the average level for his age. The developmental delays were alleged by reporting only those test items on which he failed. CAS never noticed the contradiction in claiming that our home was so cluttered as to be a hazard, yet too bare to allow for development.
Here are a few more facts about our home:
During the raid, the police let Ken into the kitchen, Ken grabbed a knife, an apple from the fridge, then ate the apple, leaving uneaten parts around the house, all things we would never allow while in control of our own home.
The living room lamp was broken by Ken two days before the raid and repaired one day after. An earlier three-day loss cured him of TV molestation.
Neither of us have ever spanked Ken. The buttocks scratches noted in a report occurred most likely after Ken was in custody.
In September we decided Ken needed more contact with other children, so we tried to enroll him in day care, but all day care facilities were booked up.
In October I trimmed branches from a tree to avoid roof damage. One protruded 20 cm across a 1 meter walkway, to a door we never use. There is a bizarre CAS account of this below.
From family history, we knew there was an even chance of Ken inheriting color blindness at birth. We tried to detect his condition by teaching him colors early. In the CAS accounts, this is a form of abuse.
Neither Linda nor I are devoted to big ceremonies. When we got married, it was before a Justice of the Peace with just two witnesses. When Ken had his third birthday, Linda gave him two inexpensive toys, and we sang him happy birthday. He is too young to understand what a birthday is. Linda forgot even this under the stress of the police raid.
In her affidavit Kim was shocked to find there was food on the table at supper time. Even by her account Ken was not hungry.
The Parent Infant Programme pamphlet referred to in the affidavits starts with a letter over the signature and picture of single-mother Rosie O'Donnell. It refers to a child of unspecified gender with the pronoun she. The word caregiver, not in any dictionary before the era of political correctness, appears in the pamphlet repeatedly. Alleging a scientific fact without a citation is the opposite of science - the pamphlet does it twice. The full text is at: http://www.iamyourchild.org/qualitycare/index.html
Most of this text is verbatim transcripts of the court documents, primarily the Children's Aid case. To avoid slanting the case I show all documents filed except the photographs and notes of OPP officer Jim Dickson. I have typed the documents exactly, even with the unbalanced quotes, missing paragraph xi, and duplicate paragraph 4. Computer checking shows that most of the errors in grammar and spelling are from the original documents, not the transcription. I tediously include captions and jurats, because of their value to others litigating the same CAS, and to show that CAS got basic facts wrong such as McQuaid's phone or Huber's address and law partner. Because HTML cannot show handwriting, I use color codes: blue - handwriting, red - rubber stamps, black - everything else. Publication of this case is legal because it is not before the courts, but CAS may reopen the case, demanding its withdrawal. Non-Canadians may help thwart CAS by copying it while it is still posted legally. To do so, copy the files in directory fixcas.com/oppose/ken/ to any directory on the internet and create a link to account.htm. The file list, about 600k bytes, is: banner.gif citizen.gif dcafs.gif greenarm.gif html401.png ken.htm osler.jpg seal.jpg trillium.gif weiner.jpg
Ontario Court of Justice
(Name of Court)
|
Form 33: Information for Warrant to Apprehend Child | |
at | 10 Louisa Street, Orangeville ON L9W 3P9
Court office address
|
My name is (full legal name) KIMBERLY JAMES
I live in (municipality & province) DUFFERIN COUNTY, ONTARIO
and I swear/affirm that the following is true:
■ a child protection worker
employed by (full legal name of children's aid
society) DUFFERIN CHILD & FAMILY
SERVICES
(Give occupation or title.) INTAKE WORKER
□ a peace officer in the province of Ontario, employed in (name of office out of which you work)
Put a line through any blank space left on this page.
Sworn/Affirmed before me at | Town of Orangeville
(municipality)
|
Kimberly James
Signature
This form is to be signed in front of a lawyer, justice of the peace, notary public or commissioner for taking affidavits.) | |
In | Ontario
(province, state or country)
| ||
on | November 16, 1999
date
| Irene Beazley
Commissioner for taking affidavits
(Type or print below if signature is illegible) | |
IRENE BEAZLEY A Commissioner etc, Province of Ontario, for the Children's Aid Society. Expires September 27, 2000 |
-End of Document-
Part of the caption of this document was lost in photocopying
Applicant(s) | ||
Full legal name & address for service - street &
number, municipality, postal code, telephone & fax
numbers and e-mail address (if any).
The Children's Aid Society
of the County of Dufferin 50 Fourth Avenue, Unit 13 Orangeville ON L9W 4P1 Tel: 519-941-1530 Fax: 519-941-1525 |
Lawyer's name & address - street & number,
municipality, postal code, telephone & fax numbers and
e-mail address (if any).
David Thwaites, Solicitor
Wardlaw, Mullin, Carter, Thwaites and Ward 235 Broadway Orangeville ON L9W 2Z5 Tel: 519-941-1760 Fax: 519-941-3668 | |
Respondent(s) | ||
Full legal name & address for service- street &
number, municipality, postal code, telephone & fax and
e-mail address (if any).
Robert McQuaid and Linda Prosh
Lot 5 Con. 5 EHS Mono Township |
Lawyer's name & address - street & number,
municipality, postal code, telephone & fax numbers and
e-mail address (if any).
|
My name is (full legal name) KIMBERLY JAMES
I live in (municipality & province) DUFFERIN COUNTY, ONTARIO
and I swear/affirm that the following is true:
Set out the statements of fact in consecutively numbered
paragraphs. Where possible, each numbered paragraph should consist of
one complete sentence and be limited to a particular statement of fact.
If you learned a fact from someone else, you must give that person's
name and state that you believe that fact to be true.
ON NOV 15, 1999 DAWN FRANKS, INTAKE WORKER RECEIVED A CALL FROM TINA BERRYMAN. SHE STATED THAT SHE HAD CLEANED THE MCQUAID/PROSH RESIDENCE IN OCTOBER 1999 - DESCRIBED THE HOME AS HAVING LATCHES ON THE DOORS. THE FATHER SAID HE "BETTER LET THE MONSTER OUT". TINA SAW MR MCQUAID UNLOCK KENNY'S BEDROOM DOOR & LET HIM OUT. MR MCQUAID THEN WENT INTO HIS OFFICE. KENNY'S ROOM WAS VOID OF TOYS, TORN MATTRESS ON THE FLOOR, NO BEDDING, BEDROOM WINDOW DOESN'T OPEN, DIRTY DIAPERS IN BATHTUB MOLD IN KITCHEN SINK & ON MATS, FOOD ENCRUSTED IN COUNTER, DIRTY DISHES, KENNY DESCRIBED AS BEING DIRTY, FOLLOWED TINA EVERYWHERE & HAD A TANTRUM WHEN SHE LEFT.
THIS WORKER ATTENDED RESIDENCE THIS MORNING WITH POLICE CONST. CRAIG ABRAHMS, SHELBURNE OPP, WE IDENTIFIED OURSELVES & ASKED TO COME IN, HE DENIED ACCESS. MR QUAID WOULD NOT SPEAK WITH US OUTSIDE. MR MCQUAID ASKED WHY WE WERE THERE. I TOLD HIM I HAD RECEIVED INFORMATION THAT THERE WAS A LOCK ON HIS SON'S BEDROOM DOOR. MR QUAID THEN SHUT THE DOOR AND LOCKED IT.
I SPOKE WITH PAULETTE SMITH BY PHONE, PAULETTE HAS CLEANED THIS RESIDENCE FOR 10 YEARS, EVERY TWO WEEKS. PAULETTE CONFIRMED TINA BERRYMAN'S OBSERVATIONS. PAULETTE DESCRIBED THE HOME AS A "PIG STY", THE HOME IS DIRTIER SINCE KENNY WAS BORN. PAULETTE STATED THAT KENNY IS LOCKED IN HIS ROOM REGULARLY & THAT THERE ARE HOOK & EYE LOCKS ON EVERY DOOR. PAULETTE STATED THAT MR MCQUAID USUALLY LETS KENNY OUT OF HIS BEDROOM WHEN SHE IN THERE & MR MCQUAID GOES INTO HIS OFFICE. KENNY FOLLOWS HER AROUND & DOES NOT WANT ME TO LEAVE, SHE BELIEVES HE IS LONELY. PAULETTE STATED THAT THERE IS MOLDY FOOD SOMEWHERE IN THE HOUSE EVERY TIME SHE IS THERE. I VERILY BELIEVE THE ABOVE INFORMATION TO BE TRUE.
AS A CHILD PROTECTION WORKER & BASED ON THE INFORMATION PROVIDED, I HAVE REASON TO BELIEVE THAT KENNY IS A CHILD IN NEED OF PROTECTION. GIVEN HIS AGE THERE IS SUBSTANTIAL RISK THAT HE MAY SUFFER PHYSICAL HARM CAUSED BY HIS PARENTS FAILURE TO CARE, PROVIDE FOR OR SUPERVISE HIM ADEQUATELY. KENNY IS CONFINED TO HIS ROOM, LOCKED IN FOR AN UNKNOWN LENGTH OF TIME BUT ON A REGULAR BASIS. THE HOUSEHOLD SANITATION PRESENTS RISK OF HARM TO KENNY - SPOILED FOOD NOT DISCARDED, NO BEDDING, TORN MATTRESS. AS PER THE ELIGIBILITY SPECTRUM THE ABOVE INFORMATION IS CODED ABOVE THE LINE IN TWO SECTIONS AND WARRANTS AN INVESTIGATION UNDER THE CFSA.
Put a line through any blank space left on this page.
Sworn/Affirmed before me at | Town of Orangeville
(municipality)
|
Kimberly James
Signature
This form is to be signed in front of a lawyer, justice of the peace, notary public or commissioner for taking affidavits.) | |
In | Ontario
(province, state or country)
| ||
on | November 16, 199
date
| Irene Beazley
Commissioner for taking affidavits
(Type or print below if signature is illegible) | |
IRENE BEAZLEY A Commissioner etc, Province of Ontario, for the Children's Aid Society. Expires September 27, 2000 |
Ontario Court of Justice
|
Court File Number
180/99 Family Law Rules, O.Reg. 114/99
Form 33A: Warrant toApprehend Child | |
at | 10 Louisa Street, Orangeville ON L9W 3P9
Court office address
|
TO ALL CHILD PROTECTION WORKERS AND PEACE OFFICERS IN THE PROVINCE OF ONTARIO:
On the basis of an information sworn before me under Part III of the Child an Family Services Act respecting the child named or described at the bottom of this warrant, I am satisfied that there are reasonable and probable grounds to believe:
■ I am further satisfied, on the
basis of that information, that the child may now be found at Give full municipal address or a precise description of the
premises where the child may be located.)
LOT 5 CON 4 EHS MONO TOWNSHIP.
I THEREFORE AUTHORIZE YOU TO BRING THIS CHILD to a "place of safety" within the meaning of the Child and Family Services Act.
This warrant expires at 5:00 a.m. on November 17, 1999
G Funston
Signature of justice
of the peace
| November 16, 1999
Date of signature
| |
G Funston
Print or type name of
justice of the peace
| County of Dufferin
Municipality where this
warrant was signed
|
NOTE: Any changes, alterations or corrections to this form must be initialled by the justice of the peace. It is a criminal offence for any other person to change the wording of this warrant after it has been signed by the justice of the peace.
Full legal name of child to be apprehended KENNY McQUAID/PROSH
| Birth date (d,m,y)
APPROX 3 YRS
| Sex M
| |||||
Aliases or nicknames | |||||||
Residential address LOT 5 CON 4 EHS MONO TOWNSHIP
| Telephone number 940-9847
| ||||||
Present whereabouts of child AT RESIDENCE
| Telephone number | ||||||
Height | Weight | Hair colour | Hair style | Eye colour | Complexion | ||
Other features | |||||||
Name and address of person to be contacted for
further information | Telephone number |
FILED ONTARIO COURT (PROV. DIV.) DEPOSE A LA COUR DE L'ONTARIO (DIV. PROV.) | NOV 19 1999 |
Ontario Court of Justice
(Name of Court)
|
Court file number 180/99
Form 8B: Application■ child protection □ status review | ||
at |
10 Louisa Street, Orangeville ON L9W 3P9
Court office address
|
Applicant(s) | |
Full legal name & address for service - street & number, municipality, postal code, telephone & fax numbers and e-mail address (if any). | Lawyer's name & address - street & number, municipality, postal code, telephone & fax numbers and e-mail address (if any). |
The Children's Aid Society of the County of Dufferin 50 Fourth Avenue, Unit 13 Orangeville Ontario L9W 4P1 Canada Phone: 519-941-1530 Fax: 519-941-1525 email: dcafs@hurontario.net | Wardlaw, Mullin, Carter, Thwaites and Ward Attention: David Thwaites 235 Broadway Orangeville, Ontario L9W 2Z5 Canada Phone: 519-941-1700 Fax: 519-941-3688 eMail: dthwaites@wardlaw.on.ca |
Respondent(s) | |
Full legal name & address for service- street & number, municipality, postal code, telephone & fax numbers and e-mail address (if any). | Lawyer's name & address - street & number, municipality, postal code, telephone & fax numbers and e-mail address (if any). |
Robert McQuaid RR #5 Orangeville, Ontario L9W 2Z2, Canada Phone: 940-9847 Linda Prosh RR #5 Orangeville Ontario L9W 2Z2, Canada Phone: 940-9847 | |
TO THE RESPONDENTS:
A COURT CASE HAS BEEN STARTED AGAINST YOU IN THIS COURT. THE DETAILS
ARE SET OUT ON THE ATTACHED PAGES. THE FIRST COURT DATE IS (date) November 22, 1999 AT 10.00 a.m. or
as soon as possible after that time at: address
10 Louisa Street, Orangeville, Ontario, L9W 3P9.
If you have also been served with a notice of motion, there may be an earlier court date and you or your lawyer should come to court for the motion.
IF YOU WANT TO OPPOSE ANY CLAIM IN THIS CASE, you or your lawyer must prepare an answer (Form 10 - a blank copy should be attached), serve a copy on the applicant children's aid society and all other parties and file a copy in the court office with an affidavit of service (Form 6B). YOU HAVE ONLY 30 DAYS AFTER THIS APPLICATION IS SERVED ON YOU (60 DAYS IF THIS APPLICATION IS SERVED ON YOU OUTSIDE CANADA OR THE UNITED STATES) TO SERVE AND FILE AN ANSWER. IF YOU DO NOT, THE CASE WILL GO AHEAD WITHOUT YOU AND THE COURT MAY MAKE AN ORDER AND ENFORCE IT AGAINST YOU.
Check the box if the paragraph applies. | ■ | The applicant children's aid society is also making a claim for child support. You MUST fill out a financial statement (Form 13 - a blank copy attached), serve a copy on the society and file a copy in the court office with an affidavit of service even if you do not answer this case. |
WARNING: This case is subject to case management, which means that the case runs on a timetable. That timetable says that the following steps have to be finished by the following number of days from the start of this case:
Temporary care & custody hearing | 25 days |
Plan of care to be served and filed | 33 days |
Case conference | 40 days |
Settlement conference | 80 days |
Protection hearing or status review | 120 days |
You should consider getting legal advice about this case right away. If you cannot afford a lawyer, you may be able to get help from your local Legal Aid office. (See your telephone directory under LEGAL AID).
Nov 19/99
Date of Issue
| C Pabst
Clerk of the court
|
CLAIM BY APPLICANT SOCIETY
in need of protection because:
(Check applicable box(es). In each checked
paragraph, delete those portions of the text that are not
relevant.)
□ the child(ren) has/have suffered physical harm, inflicted by the person having charge of the child(ren) or caused by that person's failure to care and provide for or to supervise and protect the child(ren) adequately [clause 37(2)(a)].
■ there is a substantial risk that the child(ren) will suffer physical harm, inflicted by the person having charge of the child or caused by that person's failure to care and provide for or to supervise and protect the child(ren) adequately [clause 37(2)(b)].
□ the child(ren) has/have been sexually molested or sexually exploited, by the person having charge of the child(ren) or by another person where the person having charge knows or should know of the possibility of sexual molestation or sexual exploitation and fails to protect the child(ren) [clause 37(2)(c)].
□ there is a substantial risk that the child(ren) will be sexually molested or sexually exploited, by the person having charge of the child(ren) or by another person where the person having charge knows or should know of the possibility of sexual molestation or sexual exploitation and fails to protect the child(ren) [clause 37(2)(d)].
□ the child(ren) require(s) medical treatment to cure, prevent or alleviate physical harm or suffering and the child(ren)'s parent or the person having charge of the child(ren) does not provide, or refuses or is unavailable or unable to consent to, the treatment [clause 37(2)(e)].
■ the child(ren) has/have suffered emotional harm that is demonstrated by severe anxiety, depression, withdrawal or self-destructive or aggressive behaviour, and the child's parent or the person having charge of the child does not provide, or refuses or is unavailable or unable to consent to, services or treatment to remedy or alleviate the harm [clause 37(2)(f)].
□ there is a substantial risk that the child(ren) will suffer emotional harm that is demonstrated by severe anxiety, depression, withdrawal or self-destructive or aggressive behaviour, and the child(ren)'s parent or the person having charge of the child(ren) does not provide, or refuses tor is unavailable or unable to consent to, services or treatment to prevent the harm [clause 37(2)(g)].
■ the child(ren) suffer(s) from a mental, emotional or developmental condition that, if not remedied, could seriously impair the child(ren)'s development and the child(ren)'s parent or the parent having charge of the child(ren) does not provide, or refuses or is unavailable or unable to consent to, treatment to remedy or alleviate the condition [clause 37(2)(h)].
□ the child(ren) has/have been abandoned [clause 37(2)(i)].
□ the child(ren)'s parent has died or is unavailable to exercise his or her custodial rights over the child(ren) and has not made adequate provision for the child(ren)'s care and custody [clause 37(2)(i)].
□ the child(ren) is/are in a residential placement and the child(ren)'s parent refuses or is unable or unwilling to resume the care and custody of the child(ren) [clause 37(2)(i)].
□ the child(ren) is/are less than twelve years old and has/have killed or seriously injured another person or caused serious damage to another person's property; services or treatment are necessary to prevent a recurrence; and the child(ren)'s parent or the person having charge of the child(ren) does not provide, or refuses or is unavailable or unable to consent to, those services or treatment [clause 32(2)(j)].
□ the child(ren) is/are less than twelve years old and has/have, on more than one occasion, injured another person or caused loss or damage to another person's property, with the encouragement of the person having charge of the child(ren) or because of that person's failure or inability to supervise the child(ren) adequately [clause 37(2)(k)].
□ the child(ren)'s parent is
unable to care for the child(ren) and the child(ren) is/are
brought before the court with the person's consent and, where
the child(ren) is/are twelve yers of age or older, with the
child(ren)'s consent, to be dealt with under Part II of the
Child and Family Services Act [clause 37(2)(l)].
□ that the child(ren) be
placed with (name of custodian)
subject to the supervision of (full legal
name of supervising society)
for a period of __
months, on the terms and conditions set out in the Appendix at
the end of this Application form.
□ that the child(ren) be made
(a) ward(s) of (full legal name of supervising
society)
for a period of __ months.
□ that the child(ren) be made
(a) ward(s) of (full legal name of supervising
society)
for a period of __ months and the returned
to (name of custodian)
subject to the
supervision of (full legal name of supervising
society)
for a period of __ months, on the terms and
conditions set out in the Appendix at the end of this
Application form.
■ that the child(ren) be made
(a) ward(s) of the Crown and placed in the care of (full legal name of caretaker society)
The
Children's Aid Society of the County of Dufferin
□ that (name
of homemaker)
be authorized to remain on the
premises at (address of premises where homemaker
is placed)
until (date)
or until the person who is entitled to custody of the child(ren)
returns to care for the child(ren), whichever is sooner.
■ relating to access, the
details of which are as follows: (specify
details of order to be sought, including any claim for a
restraining order under section 80 of the Child and Family
Services Act.)
Supervised Access at the discretion of
the C.A.S.
□ relating to payment of support while the child(ren) is/are in care, the details of which are as follows:
■ court costs.
■ (Other,
specify.)
Daily living expenses plus related costs
for assessments.
The society received information on November 15, 1999 that Kenneth McQuaid, child, was being locked in his room and that the house was filthy. A warrant of apprehension was obtained on November 16, 1999 after Robert McQuaid, father, refused to co-operate with the Society. Kenneth McQuaid was brought to a place of safety and is currently in the Society's care as there were immediate concerns of risk of physical harm and Kenneth was demonstrating developmental delays. There was also concern about the lack of supervision and interaction that Kenneth was receiving
Debbie Taylor
Signature
| November 18, 1999
Date of signature
| |
Debbie Taylor
Print or type name
| Senior Program Manager
Office or position held in
children's aid society
|
APPENDIX
The terms and conditions that the applicant society purposes for the child's supervision are as follows: (Set out terms and conditions in numbered paragraphs.)
-End of Document-
FILED ONTARIO COURT (PROV. DIV.) DEPOSE A LA COUR DE L'ONTARIO (DIV. PROV.) | NOV 19 1999 |
Ontario Court of Justice (Name of Court)
|
Court file number 180/99
Form 14: Notice ofMotion | |
at | 10 Louisa Street,
Orangeville Ontario L9W 3P9
Court office address
|
Applicant(s) | |
Full legal name & address for service - street & number, municipality, postal code, telephone & fax numbers and e-mail address (if any). | Lawyer's name & address - street & number, municipality, postal code, telephone & fax numbers and e-mail address (if any). |
The Children's Aid Society of the County of Dufferin 50 Fourth Avenue, Unit 13 Orangeville Ontario L9W 4P1 Canada Phone: 519-941-1530 Fax: 519-941-1525 email: dcafs@hurontario.net | Wardlaw, Mullin, Carter, Thwaites and Ward Attention: David Thwaites 235 Broadway Orangeville, Ontario L9W 2Z5 Canada Phone: 519-941-1700 Fax: 519-941-3688 eMail: dthwaites@wardlaw.on.ca |
Respondent(s) | |
Full legal name & address for service- street & number, municipality, postal code, telephone & fax numbers and e-mail address (if any). | Lawyer's name & address - street & number, municipality, postal code, telephone & fax numbers and e-mail address (if any). |
Robert McQuaid RR #5 Orangeville, Ontario L9W 2Z2, Canada Phone: 940-9847 Linda Prosh RR #5 Orangeville Ontario L9W 2Z2, Canada Phone: 940-9847 | |
The person making this motion or the person's lawyer must contact the clerk of the court by telephone or otherwise to choose a time and a date when the court could hear this motion |
TO THE PARTIES: THE COURT WILL HEAR A MOTION on (date) November 22, 1999 at 10:00 a.m., or as soon as possible after that time at: (place of hearing) 10 Louisa Street, Orangeville, Ontario, L9W 3P9 This motion will be made by The Children's Aid Society of the County of Dufferin |
who will be asking the court for an order for the item(s) listed at the end of this notice.
The person making this motion is also relying on the following documents in the continuing record: (List documents.)
Form 8B: Protection Application
If you want to oppose this motion or to give your own views, you should talk to your own lawyer and prepare your own affidavit, serve it on all other parties not later than 4 days before the date above and file it at the court office not later than 2 days before that date. Only written and affidavit evidence will be allowed at a motion unless the court gives permission for oral testimony. You may bring your lawyer to the motion.
IF YOU DO NOT COME TO THE MOTION, THE COURT MAY MAKE AN ORDER WITHOUT YOU AND ENFORCE IT AGAINST YOU.
November 18, 1999
Date of signature
Debbie Taylor
Signature of person making this motion
or of person's lawyer
|
Wardlaw, Mullin, Carter, Thwaites and Ward
Typed or printed name of person or of person's
lawyer, address for service, telephone & fax number and
e-mail address (if any)
Attention: David Thwaites 235 Broadway Orangeville, Ontario L9W 2Z5 Canada Phone: 519-941-1760 Fax: 519-941-1760 eMail: dthwaites@wardlaw.on.ca |
NOTE TO PERSON MAKING THIS MOTION: You MUST file a confirmation (Form 14C) not later than 2:00 p.m. on the day before the date set out above.
State the order or orders requested on this motion.
NOTE: You must attach a Summary of Court Cases (Form 8E) to this notice of motion.
-End of Document-
FILED ONTARIO COURT (PROV. DIV.) DEPOSE A LA COUR DE L'ONTARIO (DIV. PROV.) | NOV 19 1999 |
Ontario Court of Justice (Name of Court)
|
Court file number 180/99
Form 14A: Affidavit(General) dated November 19, 1999 | |
at | 10 Louisa Street,
Orangeville Ontario L9W 3P9
Court office address
|
Applicant(s) | |
Full legal name & address for service - street & number, municipality, postal code, telephone & fax numbers and e-mail address (if any). | Lawyer's name & address - street & number, municipality, postal code, telephone & fax numbers and e-mail address (if any). |
The Children's Aid Society of the County of Dufferin 50 Fourth Avenue, Unit 13 Orangeville Ontario L9W 4P1 Canada Phone: 519-941-1530 Fax: 519-941-1525 email: dcafs@hurontario.net | Wardlaw, Mullin, Carter, Thwaites and Ward Attention: David Thwaites 235 Broadway Orangeville, Ontario L9W 2Z5 Canada Phone: 519-941-1700 Fax: 519-941-3688 eMail: dthwaites@wardlaw.on.ca |
Respondent(s) | |
Full legal name & address for service- street & number, municipality, postal code, telephone & fax numbers and e-mail address (if any). | Lawyer's name & address - street & number, municipality, postal code, telephone & fax numbers and e-mail address (if any). |
Robert McQuaid RR #5 Orangeville, Ontario L9W 2Z2, Canada Phone: 940-9847 Linda Prosh RR #5 Orangeville Ontario L9W 2Z2, Canada Phone: 940-9847 | |
My name is (full legal name) Kim James
I live in (municipality & province) The Town of Orangeville, Ontario
and I swear/affirm that the following is true:
Set out the statements of fact in consecutively numbered paragraphs. Where possible, each numbered paragraph should consist of one complete sentence and be limited to a particular statement of fact. If you learned a fact from someone else, you must give that person's name and state that you believe that fact to be true.
I, Kim James, of the Town of Orangeville in the County of Dufferin, make oath and say:
1. I am employed by Dufferin Children's Aid Society as a Child Protection Intake Worker.
2. Linda Prosh, date of birth December 27, 1954 and Robert McQuaid, date of birth August 5, 1942 are the parents of Kenneth Darryl McQuaid, date of birth October 16, 1996. The reside at RR 5 Orangeville Lot 5 Concession 4 EHS of Mono Township. Kenneth, (Ken) was born in Toronto, Ontario. I requested Ken's birth certificate but was informed by Linda that she was unable to find it. Linda is self employed in computer graphics and animation. Robert is self employed, "Quaid Software Limited".
3. This agency received a call on November 15, 1999 from Tina Berryman who is an employee with Molly Maid Cleaning Service. Tina expressed her concerns about the McQuaid/Prosh residence and the welfare of Ken McQuaid. Tina stated that she was to their residence in October of this year and upon entering the home Mr McQuaid stated that he "better let the monster out" and proceeded to Ken's bedroom where Tina observed him unlock the door. Mr McQuaid then proceeded to his office located down the hall. Tina described the residence as a disgrace. Tina stated that Ken's room was torn up, the mattress was on the floor, no toys, no dresser in his bedroom. Tina stated that Ken was dressed in a diaper and a t-shirt. There were 5 or 6 dirty diapers in the bathtub and the bathroom was described as cruddy and dirty. Tina stated that there was mould in the kitchen sink, food encrusted on the counter, dirty dishes. Tina stated that Ken was dirty and barely spoke and followed her around the home while she cleaned. Tina stated that she was there approximately an hour and a half. During this time his father never came out of his office and his mother was not home. Tina stated that every door in the house has a lock on it. The initial information was received by Dawn Franks, Intake Worker with Dufferin Children's Aid Society. I verily believe this to be true.
4. This worker attended the McQuaid/Prosh residence accompanied by P.C. Abrams, Shelburne OPP on November 16, 1999 at approximately 10:35 am. We approached the front entrance way which was blocked by a fallen tree. Mr McQuaid answered the front door and we identified ourselves and requested to come in and speak with him. Mr McQuaid denied us entry, we asked him to step outside which he also declined. Mr McQuaid asked why we were there and I informed him that we had received a call stating that there was a lock on their son's bedroom door. Mr McQuaid the shut the door on us.
5. PC Abrams and this worker returned to the Society office and met with Kim Evans, Program Manager and was advised to make an application for a warrant to apprehend Ken. This worker obtained a Warrant of Apprehension signed by Justice of the Peace Gwen Funston. Please refer to Exhibit "A". This worker contacted Shelburne OPP detachment and spoke with PC Dickson requesting assistance of two officers and informed him that I had a warrant of apprehension. This worker then met PC Dickson and Sergeant Brodhagen at Coffee Time just south of Hockley Valley Road. We then proceeded to the McQuaid/Prosh residence. Mr McQuaid answered the door and was informed that we had a warrant of apprehension and we entered the residence at approximately 6 pm.
6. Ken was in the entrance way when we came into the home. Mr McQuaid led us to the living room which was located down the hall from the front entrance. As I walked down the hall I observed locks on the doors, there were two heating vents without grate coverings, there was a large cement pillar lying on its side. Mr McQuaid sat down on a couch in the dark, put his feet up on the coffee table, folded his arms across his chest and stated that he was not going to answer any of our questions. Mr McQuaid was asked if there was a light for the room and he replied "he broke them all, they don't work". PC Dickson asked "who broke them?", Mr McQuaid responded he did, he did all of this". We inquired as to Linda's whereabouts, she was downstairs and came upstairs asking who we were and why we were there. Linda then stated that she knew who had done this, referring to the individual that had made the report to the Society. This worker clarified to Linda that the referent did not make allegations of physical abuse but the concerns were regarding her son being locked in his bedroom and the dirty state of the home. Linda stated that the doors were locked, referring to this as "a rather elaborate system, there are actually two types of locks to keep Ken out of the rooms". Linda then began to talk abut Ken being destructive and that she does not know how to control him. Linda stated that she ends up putting Ken in his room when he is out of control and that is why his room is a mess. I then asked to see Ken's room and was led down the hall.
7. Ken's room was not locked. There was half of a lock catch located on the door but the hook had been removed from the door frame. The door knob did have a key lock mechanism which Linda stated they did not use. I entered the room and observed a twin size wooden bedframe with the supporting slats exposed, the mattress was on the floor and there was no bedding on the mattress. The bifold door for the closet was folded underneath one end of the mattress. The other end of the mattress was up against the side of a broken crib. There were two metal rods sticking out from the crib, approximately 3 inches in length. There was an electric fan on the crib mattress, the heating vent was stuffed with shredded paper. The closet was empty, there were strips of carpet laying on the floor, there were chords for the window dressing exposed as well as exposed light bulbs on the ceiling. There was a locked trunk in the corner of the room. Linda stated that Ken trashed his room every day. I asked where he slept and she indicated in this room. She stated that she would make up his bed and in the morning this is how she would find it. I asked her what she does when she hears him trashing his room, she replied nothing. I asked if she thought that her son had behavior problems, Linda replied that he was a very strong little boy and very rambunctious but never thought that he had a behaviour problem. I indicated to her that this was not normal behaviour for a child that is being adequately supervised and engaged in stimulating activities. I went on to indicate the safety concerns, to which Linda replied that she had child proof his room as much as she possibly could. I then pointed out the hazards that I had noted as well as the exposed heating vents in the hall way. Linda replied that they knew the vents were there and that they were cautious. I clarified that my concern was regarding an active toddler running down the hallway and stepping into the vent could cut his leg or break it.
8. I asked Linda to show me the rest of the home. All of the doors were locked by either the hook and eye mechanism or key handle locks. The powder room bathroom stank of dirty diapers which were piled in a small waste basket. I then enquired about toilet training. Linda stated that Ken was still in diapers and that he would not sit on the toilet. I asked how many times she has attempted to train him and she stated that she was really busy and had not really given it much of her time. Linda began to talk about how much she and her husband work. I asked where Ken was while they were working and she indicated that he was up stairs and that is why everything was locked, to deny him access. I asked how long Ken would be left alone at a time, Linda was unable to give me an answer. She stated that he is never really alone because Robert and herself are both working in their offices. I indicated that Ken did not have direct access to them and she said that I was right. I observed Mr McQuaid's office and the master bedroom which appeared to be adequately furnished and kept. We went downstairs. A piece of art was suspended above the stair well. Linda indicated that Ken had knocked it off the wall. Linda stated to myself and PC Dickson that Ken is not allowed downstairs unless she is with him. Ken emptied a child's jigsaw on the floor of her office and Linda said, "see, he is always doing stuff like that". I replied that was normal behaviour for a three year old. I then went upstairs and viewed the kitchen.
9. The kitchen was also on the hook and eye lock system. The kitchen was dirty. There was a cooked tv dinner on the table which did not appear to be touched. I asked Linda when Ken last ate. Linda stated that she had made him the tv dinner but that he did not eat it. She stated that he usually throws his food and dinnerware. I again asked when his last meal was. Linda stated that she wasn't sure but thought Bob had fed him lunch but she was not sure of what. Linda stated that she thought that he may have had a muffin, I indicated that I did see a half eaten muffin somewhere in the house and she replied that was Ken's. Linda stated that she had given him cereal in the morning. I asked if the family sits down to eat together and she replied sometimes. I asked what Ken's bedtime was, she replied whenever they were finished working. I asked if he had a bedtime routine. Linda did not respond. I asked what she did to get him ready for bed, Linda replied that she gave him some coco and then put him in his room and shut the door. Linda stated that she likes to take Ken for walks on their property but that she has to carry him back because he won't walk. Linda stated that she tries to take him to the Dufferin Resource Centre once a week and to the park because he likes the swing.
10. I then began to focus on Ken. He was vocal and verbalizing words but much of the time he was mumbling. Ken was not able to communicate to me. He mimicked everything I said and could not answer simple questions such as "what color is this?". Ken was eating an apple and he was spitting chunks out on the floor. He went into the kitchen to obtain another apple. I had to take a knife away from him as he was attempting to cut it. Ken appeared to be healthy. His eyes appeared a little sunken and dark circles were under both eyes. I observed superficial scratch marks around his midriff. Possibly self inflicted. There were no other visible marks on him.
11. I consulted with both PC Dickson and Sergeant Brodhagen as to their thoughts about Ken being a child in need of protection. Please see Exhibit "B". Both officers indicated that they would not feel comfortable leaving him in his home due to the lack of supervision and that they had never really seen anything like this before. PC Dickson stated that he would like to photograph this home, I informed him that there was a camera in my car and asked if he would obtain it. I asked Linda if I could use her phone and consulted with my Program Manager, Kim Evans. I relayed my concerns for Ken's personal safety due to the hazards as well as it appeared as though Ken was not adequately supervised and that there was not much interaction between the family members. Ken also appeared to present some developmental delays. I was directed to bring him into care. I began taking pictures of the kitchen, Ken's bedroom and various hazards I had observed in the home. Please see Exhibit "C". I then informed Linda that I would be taking Ken into foster care this evening and requested that she pack some clothes for him as well as any toys or comfort objects that he may have.
12. At some point I had seen Mr McQuaid get up from the living room and walk to his office where he remained behind closed doors for a period of time. He came out and began to dismantle the crib which I had instructed to Linda needed to be done due to the hazard. Linda was obtaining items for Ken. The whole time that we were in their home the parents did not interact with Ken once. Linda changed Ken's diaper and got him dressed in his coat, hat and boots. Linda was crying at this time. Robert did not say goodbye to Ken.
13. Ken was placed at an approved foster home in Dufferin county.
14. On November 17, 1999, I requested that a Parent Infant worker observe Ken in the foster home and provide me with initial observations and assessment. Nina Little Alcorn summarizes in her report that she suspects developmental lags and concerning social and language behaviours. Ken can interact at some level, albeit through toys. Please see Exhibit "D".
15. I spoke with Linda by phone in the morning. Linda stated that she is prepared to do anything that the Society wants and that she will get Robert to cooperate as well. Linda asked if she could visit with Ken. I asked if she would be able to meet with me later in the day and to bring his health card and birth certificate. Appointment set for 4 pm.
16. I attended the foster home for approximately an hour and was left alone with Ken. I observed him to be calm and playing with toys. Ken and I attempted to communicate and once again he mimicked my speech. I was able to redirect his attention and behaviour with ease. When the foster mother returned home we discussed how the evening was. She stated that he was difficult to bath and became upset when they washed his hair. Ken also stripped his bed twice, each time it was remade. His bed and the bedroom were intact in the morning except that his pillows were on the floor. At the time of writing this affidavit Ken's behaviour has been described as well behaved. He has not been out of control, destructive, aggressive, he is following direction and beginning to speak more clearly. Ken is also taking and interest in toilet training as there are other toddlers in the foster home who are in the process of learning.
17. I passed this information on to Linda during our meeting. She seemed surprised that he has not been destructive and she stated that it seemed that he did not miss them. Linda and I talked about her personal history as well as her relationship with Robert and Ken. Linda stated that she and Robert are not very sociable people. Linda stated that she believes Ken was about 16 months when he began to crawl and she was also concerned about his lack of speech. Linda took Ken to Dr Trevor Hunt in Alliston, paediatrician, on two separate occasions to discuss her concerns. The doctor referred Ken to an occupational therapist for the crawling. Ken was also referred for a speech assessment. Linda claims that the next day after visiting the doctor, Ken began to crawl and the second visit he began to speak. Linda did not follow up with her concerns after this. Linda asked if Robert could come for the visit as well, I asked if he wanted to. Linda stated that she would ask him if he wanted to come. Linda informed me that she met Robert at a MENSA meeting. Linda stated that both she and Robert wanted a child.
18. This worker has called both the family doctor and the pediatrician but at the time of writing the affidavit have not been able to speak with them. The Society has made an appointment with Dr Ron Murphy for a complete physical and developmental assessment. This is scheduled for Friday, November 19, 1999. Please see Exhibit "E".
19. Linda and Ken had a scheduled visit for Thursday, November 18, 1999 at 1:30 pm. I observed their visit for one hour at the Society office. Linda was seated on the couch in the room when I brought Ken in. Linda said "hi Ken" while sitting down. Ken said "hi mom" and sat in a chair opposite her. Linda asked Ken for a kiss. He got up, walked around the table and stood beside her. He leaned towards her but did not kiss her. Linda stated that he has never kissed her. Ken then said "that's not a kiss" and Linda kissed him saying "that's a kiss". Ken did not engage his mother as a playmate. The level of interaction was through the toys and not personal. There was distance between their interaction. Linda did attempt to hold him on her lap once, Ken did not respond but rather sat there for a very short period of time. Linda left the room at one point in the visit. Ken followed her to the door. When she shut the door he reached for the handle and made a small cry sound and then went for the toys. When Linda came back into the room Ken was seated on the couch and he did not get up and greet her. Linda took him to change his diaper and he went without any fuss. Ken found markers and paper. Linda did not want him to have the markers and said that she would draw him a picture. Ken tried to take the marker that Linda was using and they were engaged in a tug of war over the marker, Linda remarking that she was drawing Ken a picture. Ken became frustrated with this an threw the markers at Linda. Linda stated to me that she does not like Ken to have markers and I replied that she should take them away from him and put them away, Linda did so. At the end of the visit we walked out to the waiting area where the foster dad was. Ken approached the foster dad and was directed to say good bye to his mother. Linda asked for a good bye kiss. Once again, Ken went over to his mother, leaned close to her, did not kiss her but she kissed him. Robert did not attend for the visit.
20. During the visit Linda inquired as to how Ken was behaving at the foster home. I told her that he was doing very well. She asked how bed time was. I informed her that last night he went to bed around 8:30 pm without any problems and slept the whole night through, room and bed in tact. Linda appeared to be surprised. She asked if he was throwing his food and utensils at meal times, I said that they did not mention that this was happening. Linda stated that she was surprised to hear this. She then asked if there has been any form of disruptive behaviour I replied not that I am aware of. Linda then said, maybe he thinks there is something wrong with us. Linda then asked Ken if he wanted to go home. Ken did not reply. I asked Linda how they celebrated his 3rd birthday. Linda stated that they didn't do anything. I asked if they had a cake for him, she replied no and stated that they are not really big on "that sort of thing". I asked Linda what they got him for his birthday and she said nothing because she buys him things all the time. I asked what sort of things she buys, she replied clothes. Linda stated that she would only buy toys from the dollar store for him because he is so destructive. Linda stated that they might do something for him when he gets older.
21. I spoke with the foster mother on the morning of November 19, 1999 and she informed me that Ken had a good day with them. He took a bath with their toddler and played with bath tub toys. He was in bed by 8 pm without incident and slept through the night. His bed and room intact. The foster mother stated that since he has arrived, "he hasn't broken a single thing, not even dumped a cereal bowl. He picked up the baby's soother this morning and said, oh, back in baby's mouth. This is Ken's baby".
22. My assessment of Ken McQuaid, age 3 years is as follows: Ken is a child in need of protection as there is substantial risk that he will suffer physical harm caused by his parent's failure to care and provide for or supervise and protect him adequately. Ken has been physically confined to his room for unknown periods of time and his movements/access has been restricted to a bleak, unstimulating environment. The area that Ken has access to present hazardous conditions and the household sanitation poses neglectful conditions and as a result there is a high potential for injury, harm or illness to Ken. His parents excecise little supervision over him. They are locked in their offices and therefore may be unable to access Ken's play area quickly if necessary. Linda and Robert do not demonstrate sufficient qualities/abilities for child care. Their inability to demonstrate bonding or nurturing characteristics are presenting serious risk to Ken's well-being.
23. I make these statements with no improper intent.
Sworn/Affirmed before me at | The Town of Orangeville |
Kim James
Signature
(This form is to be signed in front of a lawyer, justice of the peace, notary public or commissioner for taking affidavits.) | |
(municipality) | |||
In | Ontario | ||
(province, state or country) | |||
on | November 19, 1999 | Gary Brian Putman | |
date | Commissioner for taking affidavits (Type or print below if signature is illegible) | ||
GARY BRIAN PUTMAN, A Commissioner, etc., Province of Ontario, for the Children's Aid Society. Expires September 20th, 2000 |
-End of Document-
Exhibit A
Copy of the Information for Warrant to
Apprehend Child and Affidavit by Kim James
both dated November 16, 1999.
Exhibit B
Notes of Constable Jim Dickson.
Exhibit C
Photographs never revealed to respondents.
Exhibit D
Observation Summary by Nina Little Alcorn.
Exhibit E
Letter from Dr Ron Murphy.
CLIENT NAME: Kenneth McQUAID
DATE OF REPORT: November 18, 1999
DATE OF BIRTH: October 16/96
REFERRAL INFORMATION:
Kim James, intake worker for Dufferin Child and Family Services, invited
this consultant to observe Kenneth (Ken) in the foster home of K &
F Clauser on November 17/99. Ken had arrived at the Clausers' home the
night before.
Mrs James described odd behaviors and questioned developmental delay. She was interested in our observations and any recommendations. Little developmental history was reported, other than creeping, I assume on all 4's, at 16 months. Apparently the parents periodically expressed concerns about Ken's progress and/or behaviors, however, their worries would diminish and it seems no active investigation or ongoing treatment was engaged.
HOME VISIT OBSERVATIONS NOVEMBER 17/99.
I attended at the
foster home over the noon hour with Dorothy McLachlan, Program Manager.
Dorothy's role was to observe and take notes while I interacted with
Ken. We were greeted by Mrs Clauser, three young preschoolers and two
friendly dogs.
At yesterday's date Ken was 37 months and 1 day.
SUMMARY and RECOMMENDATIONS:
From this "snapshot" contact it is my impression that Kenneth presents
an intriguing mix of suspected developmental lags and concerning social
and language behaviors (ie. limited eye contact, ecolalia, etc). The
extent, permanence, and cause(s) I believe, require a thorough pediatric
investigation before plans for treatment (including placement?) can be
made. His strengths include his engaging appearance and willingness to
interact at some level, albeit through the toys, and apparent
change/response to handling by the individuals around him over a very
brief period of time.
I believe accurate assessment can probably only be done over repeated sessions, therefore I am reluctant to offer a developmental estimate. I have reported specific observations from my hour with Kenneth, largely one-on-one. I would be happy to help again in any way I can.
I have a sense of potential in this little guy. Thank you for the
opportunity to observe Kenneth and give you feedback.
Nina K Little Alcorn
Nina K. Little Alcorn, H.B.A. (Psych), Cert.Soc.Wk. Parent Infant Consultant Parent Infant Program | Nov 18/99
Date | |
Dorothy McLachlan
Dorothy McLachlan Program Manager Developmental Support Services | Nov 18/99
Date |
Form approved: June 7, 1995
cunningham wpd
November 19, 1999
Ms Jennifer Long-Moore
Dufferin Child & Family Services
50 Fourth Ave Unit 13
Orangeville Ont
L9W 4P1
Dear Ms Moore:
RE: Kenneth McQUAID
DOB: 16/10/96
I saw Ken in the office today accompanied by you regarding concerns over his development. Ken was recently apprehended from his parents after concern had been expressed regarding the home environment. It is my understanding from you that the environment was found to be lacking in stimulation for Ken. I understand that there were very few if any toys available for Ken's use and that he was severely restricted in his movement through the family home.
He has been placed in a Foster Home where there are other children ranging in age from 9 weeks to 14 years.
In the office today Ken presented as a healthy looking active young boy. He did not display any stranger anxiety and was not destructive or overly active in the room.
Ken's general examination today revealed his weight to be 17.4 kg which places him at the 95th percentile, while his height at 100.5 cm places him at the 90th percentile. His head circumference was 34 cm which is above the 95th percentile. His general examination was normal. There were a number of excoriations or scratches present on both buttocks. There was a fading bruise on the anterior aspect of the left leg and two areas in the midline over the lower spine which appear to be well healed areas from previous minor trauma. He was well nourished and there were no abnormalities detected. Developmentally Ken tended to echo our speech today and had difficulty in following some simple commands which would be expected by his age such as asking him to place an object on a chair or on the floor. One would expect Ken to be able to do this by 2 1/2 years of age and many children indeed would be able to follow such simple instructions at an ever younger age. He was unable to scribble initially when presented with a pencil but eventually was able to do this after watching me. He could not copy a circle nor could he draw a vertical line. Again these would be milestones expected for somebody of Ken's age. I understand he is able to assist with some of his dressing. He is not yet toilet trained. He was unable to balance on one foot and could not jump. He can walk without difficulty but I could not get him to walk backwards in the office. I understand that he is able to walk up steps but he tends to lead with the same foot.
The development delays which Ken in demonstrating may be the result of lack of stimulation. I understand that his speech is already showing some signs of improvement. I have requested a number of investigations to rule out any possible underlying medical cause for his delays. Some of the investigations which I have undertaken may take as long as a couple of months before results become available. If Ken does not show improvement and progression in the above mentioned delays then it may become necessary for him to become involved with the speech therapist, occupational therapist to assist with fine motor, and physiotherapist if the gross motor skills are not continuing to improve.
I would be happy to clarify any of the above findings should you deem this necessary.
Sincerely yours,
Murphy
RG Murphy MD FRCP (C)
RGM/wl
dictated but not read
ONTARIO COURT OF JUSTICE (Name of Court) 10 Louisa Street, Orangeville Ontario L9W 3P9 at Court office address
|
Court file number Form 14A: Affidavit (General) dated 180/99 |
Applicant(s) | |
Full legal name & address for service - street &
number, municipality, postal code, telephone & fax
numbers and e-mail address (if any).
The Children's Aid Society of the County of Dufferin50 Fourth Avenue, Unit 13 Orangeville, Ontario L9W 4P1 519-941-1530 phone 519-941-1525 fax |
Lawyer's name & address - street & number,
municipality, postal code, telephone & fax numbers and
e-mail address (if any).
Wardlaw, Mullin, Carter, Thwaites and WardDavid Thwaites 235 Broadway, Orangeville ON 519-941-1760 phone 519-941-3668 fax |
Respondent(s) | |
Full legal name & address for service- street &
number, municipality, postal code, telephone & fax and
e-mail address (if any).
Linda Prosh/Robert McQuaidRR #5 Orangeville, ON L9W 2Z2 940-9847 |
Lawyer's name & address - street &
number, municipality, postal code, telephone & fax numbers
and e-mail address (if any). Huber & Heersche Evelyn D Huber 184 Broadway Orangeville ON L9W 1K3 (519)940-4500 phone (519)940-4502 fax |
My name is (full legal name) Robert McQuaid
I live in (municipality & province) Township of Mono, County of Dufferin
and I swear/affirm that the following is true:
Set out the statements of fact in consecutively numbered paragraphs. Where possible, each numbered paragraph should consist of one complete sentence and be limited to a particular statement of fact. If you learned a fact from someone else, you must give that person's name and state that you believe that fact to be true.
1. I have had the opportunity to review the affidavit and attached materials of Kim James sworn November 19, 1999.
2. I am the natural father of the child Kenneth McQuaid born October 16, 1999 and my wife Linda Prosh is the natural mother of the child.
3. Linda and I have been active and loving involved parents of Kenneth. I confirm that there are locks on the doors in the home in order to ensure that Kenneth does not injure himself in any of the rooms on furniture etc. Kenneth has become increasingly destructive and our method of dealing with this has been to restrict his access to some of the common areas, unless he is immediately supervised by my wife or me. There is also a lock on his bedroom door, which we do on occasion use to give Kenneth a time out when he is behaving inappropriately.
4. Kenneth is well groomed, dressed, fed and loved. Kenneth's family physician, Dr Ross in Tottenham can attest to the fact that there has never been occasion when Kenneth has been treated for any injury. He is not malnourished or otherwise neglected. In fact, my concern until Kenneth was two years old was that he had never had so much as a cold and I believed he needed exposure to some colds in order to develop his immune resistance more effectively.
5. I have an involved relationship in Kenneth's life. I will take him for a walk daily on our property of 67 acres. He is deeply bonded to me and does voluntarily come to me for affection and attention. I am an active participant in feeding him, clothing and changing him.
6. The Police allege in their notes that I was in an almost catatonic state. I have a strong belief in my right to counsel, particularly in light of the allegations being laid against me by the CAS and the Police. I felt it in my best interest to be non-communicative. I did not believe I had any reason to address the allegations of the CAS because I know Kenneth is well cared for and loved.
7. My wife Linda does take him to the Resource Centre in Orangeville to give Kenneth the opportunity to interact with other children. The worker there, Debbie, could attest to this fact.
8. The housekeeper, Tina Berryman, had been in attendance at our home on one occasion. I confirm that our home could be cleaner, but the home does not pose a risk to Kenneth.
9. The cement pillars that the officer referred to had been the legs of a glass table. I had removed the glass from the table top some months ago and stored it in a locked room because of my concern that Kenneth might hurt himself on the glass if it fell. The cement pillars had been used to block him from crawling behind the wall unit in the living room. I was worried that he would access the plugs and electrical cords. The pillars were recently set on their sides because Kenneth had threatened to knock them over and again I was concerned for his safety.
10. Linda and I had decided to place Kenneth in day care because we believed he needs greater exposure to other children at this stage in his life and being in the country does not afford him the opportunity to play with many other kids. Linda began looking in late summer and had difficulty finding a day care that was not full with the return to school coming soon.
11. I confirm that we had the diapers in the tub in the spare bathroom. We keep them there at a maximum for three days. We then gather them and take them to the barn. I share the changing of the diapers. I take Kenneth two to three times a week in to Orangeville with me to run errands. I believe he should be exposed to other people and I am taking this opportunity.
12. We take him on weekend outings every other weekend to places such as the hiking area at Mono Cliffs, Belwood Lake, the Orangeville Conservation Area.
13. Kenneth has a huge number of Lego toys, dolls, cars and trucks. We do not spend a great deal of money on his toys, but he does have a number of them. They are not stored in his bedroom. We like to supervise him when he plays.
14. When the cleaning ladies are in the home, I generally try to get out of their way and go into my work room. Kenneth enjoys the company and I leave him following the cleaners around. Paulette generally comes and I have known Paulette for approximately 10 years and I know her well enough to feel comfortable leaving Kenneth out with her. I have never had any complaints that Kenneth interferes with their work.
15. I do call Kenneth the Ken Monster. It is a term of endearment to me and if Tina Berryman took it amiss, then I cannot be responsible for that. Linda and I have both nicknamed him that.
municipality
Commissioner for taking affidavits
(Type or print below if signature is illegible) | Robt T McQuaid
Signature
(This form is to be signed in front of a lawyer, justice of
the peace, notary public or commissioner for taking
affidavits.)
|
(This document is in the handwriting of David Thwaites)
IN THE MATTER OF KENNETH McQUAID
CONSENT
The parties consent to an Order
dated at Orangeville this 22 day of Nov/99
Witness | ||
[illegible] | Robt T McQuaid
ROBERT MCQUAID | |
[illegible] | Prosh
LINDA PROSH | |
David Thwaites | Kim James
Children's Aid |
November 24, 1999
Dufferin Child and Family Services
dcafs@headwaters.net
Subject: Libel allegation
Sirs:
Today I received a communication from Evelyn Huber that you considered some of the statements I had made through the internet to be libelous. Please forward your objections to me by E-mail, or any other form of communication you prefer. I will give your objections the same distribution given to my own comments.
Robert T McQuaid
RR 5 Orangeville Ontario L9W 2Z2 Canada
E-mail: robert.mcquaid@hurontario.net
November 26, 1999
David Tilson MPP
david_tilson@ontla.ola.org
Subject: Child abducted by Children's Aid
Dear Mr Tilson:
On November 16, without warning, in two visits Children's Aid removed our only child, Kenneth, age 3, from our home. A few days later they moved in court papers to make Ken a ward of the crown, so that we would never see him again.
This was an intact family with a normal healthy three year old, with regular medical checkups, never before diagnosed with any problems.
The rest of this E-mail details the events in the case. I am asking for your help:
Thank you for your consideration.
Robert T McQuaid
RR 5 Orangeville Ontario L9W 2Z2
phone: 519-942-0565
E-mail: robert.mcquaid@hurontario.net
(The rest of the E-mail, containing the case documents up to this date, is omitted.)
Ontario Court of Justice (Name of Court)
|
Court file number 180/99
Form 14A: Affidavit (General) dated November 29, 1999 | |
at | 10 Louisa Street, Orangeville Ontario L9W 3P9
Court office address
|
Applicant(s) | |
Full legal name & address for service - street & number, municipality, postal code, telephone & fax numbers and e-mail address (if any). | Lawyer's name & address - street & number, municipality, postal code, telephone & fax numbers and e-mail address (if any). |
The Children's Aid Society of the County of Dufferin 50 Fourth Avenue, Unit 13 Orangeville Ontario L9W 4P1 Canada Phone: 519-941-1530 Fax: 519-941-1525 email: dcafs@hurontario.net | Wardlaw, Mullin, Carter, Thwaites and Ward Attention: David Thwaites 235 Broadway Orangeville, Ontario L9W 2Z5 Canada Phone: 519-941-1700 Fax: 519-941-3688 eMail: dthwaites@wardlaw.on.ca |
Respondent(s) | |
Full legal name & address for service- street & number, municipality, postal code, telephone & fax numbers and e-mail address (if any). | Lawyer's name & address - street & number, municipality, postal code, telephone & fax numbers and e-mail address (if any). |
Robert McQuaid RR #5 Orangeville, Ontario L9W 2Z2, Canada Phone: 940-9847 Linda Prosh RR #5 Orangeville Ontario L9W 2Z2, Canada Phone: 940-9847 | |
My name is (full legal name) Kim James
I live in (municipality & province) Orangeville, Ontario
and I swear/affirm that the following is true:
Set out the statements of fact in consecutively numbered paragraphs. Where possible, each numbered paragraph should consist of one complete sentence and be limited to a particular statement of fact. If you learned a fact from someone else, you must give that person's name and state that you believe that fact to be true.
I, Kim James, of the Town of Orangeville in the County of Dufferin, make oath and say:
1. I am employed by Dufferin Children's Aid Society as a Child Protection Intake Worker.
2. On November 18, 1999, I spoke with Audrey Campbell who works with Dr Trevor Hunt. Dr Hunt met with Linda and Ken on September 12, 1997 due to delayed milestones. Dr Hunt noted that Ken would fall backwards when in a seated position. Ken was approximately 11 months old at this time and should have been able to meet this milestone. Dr Hunt had made a referral for an occupational therapist. On June 22, 1999, Dr Hunt met with Linda and Ken due to delayed speech and a referral was made for a speech therapist. I verily believe this to be true.
3. On November 22, 1999, The Society, Robert McQuaid and Linda Prosh agreed to adjourn the matter of Kenneth McQuaid until December 1, 1999 as the parents agreed to work with the Society. During the interim, Kenneth remained in the temporary care and custody of the Society. The parents were to address and implement, to the satisfaction of the Society six conditions. Please see Exhibit "A". It was my understanding that if the conditions were met to the satisfaction of the Society that a "least intrusive measure" would be sought by the agency in working with this family. Arrangements were made for the parents to have one hour daily supervised visits with Ken at the Society office. This worker would continue with the investigation and gathering information.
4. This worker had opportunity to observe the visits between Ken and his parents on four separate occasions. Upon reuniting with his father after a six day separation and four days for his mother there was no form of affection shown immediately. Ken went straight for the blocks that his parents had brought him. Ken continued to focus his time and attention on the toys rather than his parents. Bob finally invited Ken over to read a story book to him. Ken appeared content and relaxed on his father's lap. The parents present more as teachers than playmates with Ken. Their conversation was a question answer format. When it was time to say good bye Ken cried a little but stopped as soon as he saw his foster mother. This worker also received a voice mail message from Nina Little Alcorn with the Parent Infant Program stating that Bob McQuaid had called her as he was complying with the conditions agreed upon between himself and the Society. I verily believe this to be true. Nina met Linda and Bob after this visit and gave them a pamphlet outlining the Parent Infant Program and spoke with them briefly about their services. Nina had asked them to read the pamphlet.
5. On November 23, 1999, this worker spoke with Debbie Holmes, an employee at Community first. Debbie verified that she has seen Linda and Ken at the resource centre but was unsure of the frequency. Debbie stated that Linda has had a membership with them for over a year. I verily believe this to be true. The visit on this day was similar to the previous day. Once again the greeting was not affectionate. Bob immediately began reading to Ken. Linda interrupted this on two occasions. Linda showed Ken the toys that they had bought him and gave him chocolates. Ken attempted to engage his father in play by giving him a car. Bob held it, said "my car Ken", then gave the car back to Ken. They displayed the teacher role once again. Linda would say, "yellow duckie, yellow block, blue jacket, blue block," This was repeated over and over with the other colours. At one point Linda stated, "you are far more important to him that I am". I believe this is due to the fact that Ken attempted to interact more with his father. Linda asked Ken if he wanted to go on the swing and then told him he could not. It is my understanding from Linda that she would take Ken to the park after their visits to Community First and Ken enjoyed the swing. Bob had Ken on his lap and they were counting, Ken did not appear interested and Bob responded by saying, "were playing counting now, pay attention child". Linda asked if he wanted to sit on her lap, Ken got up but only stayed there for approximately 10 seconds. By 3:45 pm there was no interaction between the parents and Ken. Ken was playing with the empty boxes that his toys came in and the parents were having a conversation. Ken left the visit without hugs and kisses from his parents. This worker also made note that the parents were concerned that they were being audio or video taped as their visits take place in our interview room. The interview room has a two way mirror, two video cameras mounted on the wall and two wall microphones.
6. On November 24, 1999, I met with the foster mother at her home. She informed me that Ken does need a nap in the afternoon otherwise he is extremely cranky in the evening. Ken has also progressed from diapers to pull ups and is showing an interest in toilet training of the other toddlers in the home. Ken is both giving and asking for hugs. Ken has broken three chain locks on their external back door as he is wanting to go outside and play on the swing. When he has broken the locks he says, "bad boy Ken, you broke it Ken, you can't go in there in Ken". During my visit Ken appeared to be happy as he was playing with the toys and sat on my lap for a period of time while we drew a stick figure of Ken. Later in the morning of this day, Reverend Lou Potter called me and stated that she had just met with the McQuaids and that they had given her verbal permission to speak with me. Lou stated that they appeared to be having difficulty understanding the concerns regarding the locked doors. Lou stated that they had told her that Ken would be confined to his room for a period of an hour when he was bad. Lou stated that it was her opinion that they did care for their son but had very little practical parenting knowledge. Lou stated that she advised them that a child three years of age should only receive a two to three minute time out for bad behaviour not an hour. Lou suggested that they pick up a book on child development and one on parenting.
7. The visit on November 24, 1999, was scheduled between 4-5 pm. I met Ken in the foyer at the office. When I told him it was time to see his mom and dad he stood motionless with a void look on his face and would not respond. Hereafter this behaviour will be referred to as freezing. I took this time to address their concerns about being audio and video taped. I showed them the monitors located in the back kitchen that are hooked up to the video cameras in their room and explained that I was watching them on the monitors and making notes. I explained to them the purpose of the set up of the room. Ken was given a new stuffed toy and more chocolate. Bob made something out of the blocks but did not invite Ken to interact with him. Linda asked Ken if he wanted to go home, yes or no. Ken did not respond. She asked him again, Ken went and picked up his coat. Ken unzipped the hood from the jacket and said, "bad boy Ken". Linda offered to fix it. Linda then asked again if he wanted to go home. Ken made a whining noise this time and Bob invited Ken onto his lap and patted his back. Ken got down and went over to the blocks. He threw two of them. Both parents responded by saying, "Don't throw blocks Ken, bad boy, pick them up Ken". Ken then cleared the blocks from the table. His parents told him to pick them up, he did not. Bob stated, bad boy Ken and then invited him onto his lap and read him a book. Linda interrupted by asking Ken if he was mad at her. Linda then asked Ken how he was. No response. Bob then asked Ken to pick up the blocks, Ken did so. Linda then picked Ken up and sat him on her lap. Ken struggled to get free. The visit ended once again with no affectionate interaction. Nina Little Alcorn and myself came into the room. Ken did the "freezing" behaviour again when we had entered the room.
8. After the visit Nina Little Alcorn and myself met with Linda and Bob. Nina had asked Linda and Bob how they were doing. Linda responded that both she and Bob were not eating or sleeping very much. Linda then stated that she was concerned about the long term affects and motioned toward Bob who was sitting beside her. Linda then mouthed the words, "especially about him". I gave feedback to the parents of my observations and suggested how they may interact with Ken during their visits. I told Bob that I saw some good interaction between them when he was reading the books to Ken. I suggested that when they bring the blocks, instead of them talking about the colours or the parents building something for Ken that they invite Ken to build something with them. Nina had suggested that they get down to Ken's level and play. Nina asked if they had read the pamphlet that she gave them. They stated that they had not. A discussion took place regarding day care centres and Nina gave them another handout on how to look for a day care provider and booked an appointment with them.
9. On November 25, 1999, this worker met Ken in the foyer again and asked if he was ready to go see mom and dad. Ken gave this worker a hug and asked if I wanted to go to Kelsey's. I told Ken no and said that he was going to visit mom and dad. Ken displayed the 'freezing' behaviour once again. I called his name and rubbed his cheek and he snapped out of it. When I took him to see his parents he greeted them happily but once again, no form of physical affection exchanged. This visit was difficult to watch as the parents displayed inappropriate responses to Ken's attempts for consoling. This occurred when Bob and Linda began by asking Ken if he wanted to go home, if he wanted to go on the swing, over and over. Ken went and got his coat, repeating what they were saying and went to put it on. They then stated that they were not going. Ken became upset by this and began to cry. He went to his father for consoling. Bob sat outstretched in his chair, his arms crossed in front of himself and did not move. Ken attempted to prod at his father's hands, directly looking for physical contact, no response. Not so much as a word was uttered by either parent to console Ken. Bob and Linda had bought Ken a toy cell phone. Ken was happy to receive it and began to play with it immediately. Ken was told by Linda not to break it, Bob took it away from him and put it in his pocket. Ken became upset by this. Bob redirected Ken's attention by picking him up onto his lap and read him a book. Ken asked about the phone and Bob replied that it was too loud. Ken got down and retrieved the blocks. No one interacted with him. Ken went to his father and asked about the phone again, no response. Ken then went to his mother and pointed out a truck in the magazine that she was reading. Linda repeated his words. Ken went back to his dad and asked to get up, Bob responded and they began to read the book again. Bob asked Ken where the clock was, referring to the clock in the book. Ken looked at the clock on the wall. Linda points to the clock on the wall and says, "what time is it Ken?". Bob responds to Ken's answers by saying brilliant, vary smart. Ken points to a broom in the book and Bob responds, "that's for cleaning up after you Ken, that's a broom". Linda asks Ken if he is sleepy. As soon as the book was finished Bob told Ken to go and bug his mom. Linda sat forward and picked up her magazine. Linda then asked Ken how he was feeling and finally picked Ken up. Ken sat on her lap a total of 30 seconds. This is when Bob and Linda began to question Ken about going home, going on the swing and Ken getting upset. Once Ken calmed down on his own he went to the plastic birds that his parents had bought him. Ken brings the birds to his father, no interaction engaged. Ken starts to throw the birds. Linda and Bob tell Ken not to do this. Linda says, "we don't like that bratty behaviour". Ken echo's this. Linda then says, "that's the cell door and that's the espionage window," referring to the two way mirror. Ken opens the door and says, "good boy, want to say good bye". Bob asks Ken if he wants to go. At 3:55 pm Bob gets the blocks and says, "I'm going to start and lets see if you can put some on". Bob begins and then Ken puts the rest of the blocks on and Bob sits back on his chair, no longer engaged. Bob says, "that's a good construction", Linda says, "that makes it stable". Bob says to Linda that Ken does not understand and then laughs. Linda returns to looking at her magazine. Ken continues to build with the blocks. Linda then places one of the birds on the blocks and says that they should have built a bird house. Linda then asks Ken if he wants to go home, yes or no? Ken responds by saying. "do you want to go to Kelsey's?". Linda says, "I think you'd be okay now, you wouldn't take a royal fit". Bob says, "we will celebrate your release". Ken puts a bird on the blocks and says make them fly and knocks them off the blocks. No response by parents. Ken then asks, "want to take shoes off?". No response. Linda then asks Ken where his "furbee" is, Ken does not respond. Ken goes over to the garbage pail and pulls out the toy wrapper and repeats five times, "that's a wrapper". Bob then asks Ken for the wrapper. They begin to point out letters of the alphabet. Linda says, "I'd take you to Kelsey's now, I don't think you'd be as bad now". Ken opens the door and says, "want to go to Kelsey's?" and shuts the door. Linda replies, "don't slam the door Ken".
10. I enter the room at this point and Ken greets me and says, "want to go see mom and dad". I attempt to redirect Ken by asking about his new toys. I begin to play with the birds, pretending that they are flying. Ken begins to throw the birds. Linda and Bob both say, "see that's what he always does". Linda adds that it is usually his food and utensils that he throws. I continue to show Ken how to make birds fly and redirecting him. Ken asks again, "want to go see mom and dad" and moves toward the door. Ken then leaves the room and goes to the foyer and greets his foster mom with "you want a hug?"
11. After this visit I met with Linda and Bob along with Kim Evans, Program Manager of Child Protection. This visit was prearranged in order to discuss the conditions of the agreement. The first condition regarding day care was discussed. Linda indicated that she had been to see a couple of them and that two of them were available December 1, 1999. Linda stated that she had begun looking in September but that Bob didn't like the idea. Linda would prefer to have Ken attend every day, Bob feels that every other day is good enough because he wants Ken at home with him. Bob also stated that three days was enough exposure to other children and that they have great facilities around their own home, referring to the 67 acres that Ken can romp around.
12. The second condition is in reference to following through with Dr Murphy's recommendations. They have an appointment to meet with Dr Murphy on December 21, 1999. Linda is wanting to ask the doctor about Ken's blood, they do not have an agenda set for discussion with Dr Murphy.
13. The third condition is following through with the Parent Infant Program. They have a visit scheduled with Nina for December 7, 1999. I asked if they have read the pamphlet Nina gave them, they said no. I asked how they felt about the Parent Infant Program and whether they thought that it was an appropriate service in regard to Ken's needs. They both stated that they did not know, that they would not know what the service/program was until Nina came to their home.
14. The fourth condition is in reference to the safety issues at home. Bob replied that they have removed the lock from Ken's door, the light fixture was fixed and that they were painting his room. Bob stated that I had not pointed out any other concerns and therefore in his opinion this condition had been complied to.
15. The fifth condition outlines releases of information from their doctors. Bob stated that Dr Ross had informed him that the Society needs to initiate the forms. I stated to Bob that I would get the appropriate forms for them to sign.
16. The sixth condition states parenting courses and counselling if recommended. Bob stated that they have not done anything regarding this as it only states if recommended. I informed Bob that I am recommending that counselling and a parenting capacity assessment be sought for the both of them. I told them that they could call Toronto Hospital for Sick Children or McMaster Chedoke Hospital and request names to complete the parenting capacity assessment.
17. I then asked Linda about her comment yesterday with regard to her concerns about the long term affects on Bob. Linda said she really didn't want to say anything in front of Bob. I replied that she brought it up yesterday in front of Bob and that it was concerning me. Linda began to talk about their lawyer, Bob cautioned Linda that this was not information to share with us. Linda then stated that she felt that Bob was, "taking this thing too far. He is wanting to move and I don't want to move". Bob interrupted at this time and asked me if I was trying to drive them apart. I replied that what I was trying to do was assess the current situation at home and to complete my investigation. Bob replied that they did not have to answer any of my questions. I informed him that it was my understanding from his lawyer that they were willing to cooperate with the Society. Bob stated that he was cooperating and would only comply to the conditions set out in the agreement. I asked Bob if he was saying that he would not cooperate and answer my questions, he stated again that he would only comply with the conditions and would not discuss anything other than those conditions with me. I then stated that based on my observations of their visits with Ken that I had great concerns regarding their parenting capacity. I told them that even after making suggestions about increasing interaction they made little to no effort. They had not shown an interest in the Parent Infant Program nor did I get the sense that they felt that it was applicable to them. I then stated that it was very concerning that they made no effort to console Ken today when he became upset. Linda stated that I was lying. I stated that what I observed was Ken getting upset after they continued to ask him if he wanted to go home, on the swing, etc, Ken got his coat and they said that he could not go. Ken became upset and went to Bob who sat there and I physically copied Bob's body posture. I informed them that neither one of them so much as said a word to comfort Ken. Again Linda stated that Ken did not get upset during their visit and that I was fabricating this because I was upset with them about what they had done. I informed Linda that this was not personal on any level and that I was not the only one who had observed this visit. I informed them that Kim Evans had also observed this session and Kim nodded her head in agreement. They asked if Ken was going to be returned home on December 1, 1999. I informed them that the Society would continue with the original application and request for Crown Wardship at this time. The rational behind this is that there is concern about their parenting capacity and the cause of Ken's developmental delays is unknown at this time and now there is added concern of risk of flight if Ken is returned home. I further stated that it is also concerning that Bob is not willing to cooperate, that they appear not to have an understanding or a concern regarding Ken's developmental needs. The meeting ended by Linda stating that she was very angry, that this was not democratic, that this was a police state and that they had a right to a public forum and that they would use the public forum. Linda further stated that I was upset with them because of the "e mail". I informed Linda that she was entitled to her thoughts and opinions. Bob stated that we had an agreement and could not arbitrarily change those conditions at any time. I asked if they had any questions and they asked if they still had their visit with Ken. I replied that they had scheduled supervised visits for tomorrow and next Monday and Tuesday.
18. I have had the opportunity to review the affidavit of Bob McQuaid sworn November 22, 1999. In response to paragraph '3' it is concerning that Bob identifies Ken's behaviour as increasingly destructive but they have not sought professional help to date to help them deal with Ken's behaviour. Linda has stated that she does not believe that Ken has a behaviour problem and yet both parents have demonstrated that they are unable to redirect Ken's behaviour and respond to his behaviour by confining him to his room. In paragraph '5' Bob indicates that he is an active participant in feeding, clothing and changing Ken. Linda has stated to this worker that she has been wanting to go and visit her brother in Denver but has not been able to do so because she would need to find someone to care for Ken. Linda said that she would not feel comfortable leaving Ken alone in Bob's care as he does not do everything he should. Linda further stated that Bob is good in helping change Ken's diapers and that is about it. This information was shared the evening of November 16th and during her office visit with Ken on the 18th of November, 1999. In paragraph '9', Bob states that he took the glass table apart and put it away, Linda indicated to myself on November 16th, that Ken had destroyed it. In paragraph 10, Bob states that he is in support of Ken attending day care. Linda has stated twice to me that Bob has been opposed to her wanting to put Ken into day care. In paragraph 13, Bob states that Ken does not have free access to his toys. A child this age should have access to toys for purpose of stimulating their development through pretend play. A child at this age of development also spends a great deal of their time in what is known as solo play in order to learn to manipulate their environment. It is also concerning that Bob stated that they supervise him and that they are not interacting with him. In paragraph 14 Bob states that he gets out of the way of the cleaning ladies but leaves his toddler to follow the cleaning ladies around. It has been my experience that a toddler would get in the way of someone attempting to get something completed. In paragraph 15, Bob states that the "Ken Monster" is a term of endearment to him and Linda. I have observed this family interact for a total of four hours and have not once heard either one of them refer to Ken as the "Ken Monster".
19. I spoke with Catherine, the foster mother on November 29, 1999 inquiring as to how Ken was doing. She stated that since Friday, November 26, 1999, Ken has been laying on the living room floor in fetal position and sucking his thumb. He remains in this position fro approximately 20 to 30 minutes at a time and then will get up and wander around the house aimlessly. Catherine stated that while in this position he does not respond to their attempts to arouse him. This continued until this morning. Catherine stated that he has had a low grade fever as well and was wondering if this is normal behavior for Ken when he is not feeling well. Overall, Catherine stated that she believes that Ken's behavior while in her home has been typical behavior of a toddler. She has noticed signs of improvement in his speech, in socialization, affection, sense of humor, bath and bed time and eating - he is no longer spitting food out nor demonstrating throwing food or utensils as Linda indicates that Ken does at home. Catherine stated that the only time that she has had difficulty with Ken was the afternoon of November 25th and the following morning. I verily believe this to be true. Please refer to Catherine's notes, attached as Exhibit "B".
20. My assessment of the matters of Ken McQuaid are as follows: There is a substantial risk that Ken will suffer emotional harm if he is returned to the primary care and custody of Linda Prosh and Bob McQuaid. I have observed Ken's parents interact with Ken. There is concern regarding the level and type of attachment that they have with their son. Little to no forms of physical affection or consoling, negative verbal messages. Ken is demonstrating concerning 'freezing' behaviour and the parents have demonstrated a reluctance to work cooperatively and take an interest in the concerns that have been brought to their attention about their son's developmental delays. A risk assessment has been completed with input from myself, Jennifer Moore and Kim Evans. Jennifer Moore is a co-worker who has also had an opportunity to observe Ken interact with his parents. The risk assessment is a tool designed to assist child protection workers in making a decision as to the risk of future harm to a child. The outcome of the risk assessment is high and clearly indicates the identified areas of concern. Please refer to Exhibit "C". I have also attached a copy of the Safety Assessment which is a tool used to assess the immediate safety of children. Please refer to Exhibit "D". Without information from Dr Murphy regarding the cause of Ken's developmental delays there is room to speculate that the delays may be due to lack of adequate care and environment. A parent capacity assessment would address the concerns regarding quality and type of attachment and the ability of the parents to meet the needs of Ken. The Society has concern that if Ken is returned to his parents at this time that there is a risk of flight and more importantly the parents will increase the risk of developmental delays due to their lack of acknowledging the concerns and their lack of ability to change their parenting attitudes and styles in regard to Ken's present needs.
21. I make these statements with no improper intent.
Sworn/Affirmed before me at The Town of Orangeville |
Kim James
Signature
(This form is to be signed in front of a lawyer, justice of the peace, notary public or commissioner for taking affidavits.) | ||
(municipality) | |||
In | Ontario | ||
(province, state or country) | |||
on | November 29, 1999 | Irene Beazley | |
(date) | Commissioner for taking affidavits (Type or print below if signature is illegible) | ||
IRENE BEAZLEY A Commissioner etc, Province of Ontario, for the Children's Aid Society. Expires September 27, 2000 |
-End of Document-
Exhibit A
Copy of the Consent filed November 22.
Exhibit B
Report of K Clauser.
Exhibit C
Risk Assessment.
Exhibit D
Safety Assessment.
Nov 16, 99
When Kim left Ken had to be restrained from hitting his head against the
floor and the door. He took a swing a (illegible) in franco's arms.
During a bath, (hair very dirty) he had to be restrained to stay in tub
- wouldn't stand up and gripping side of tub. Bed was the same
procedure - had to restrain him and let him scream until he was
exhausted. His only communication is parroting, screaming and
tantrums.
Nov 17, 99
Ken woke up at 9:00 am and I told him it was breakfast. He walked away
so I picked him up and sat him at the table with no problems. He was
like a whole new kid today, no throwing food, no spitting food down the
front of himself; I think I can handle this. He has compulsive
behaviour turning lights on and off and closing doors. Played with
toys, but not with children. When he got tired, he started throwing
toys and needed a time out. When in T.O. pulled a tantrum and was
violent towards me. Had a bath and went to bed with no problems.
Nov 18, 99
Good day today! Only had to be reminded once not to throw toys. He was
giving Noah back his soother. Still just mimmicking, but using the
things he's heard to communicate. ie "Want some breakfast, Ken? Played
in the bathtub. Went to bed with no problem.
Nov 19, 99
Actually coming to me for a hug when he's upset. Follows me around
mimmicking everything he's heard and is following simple directions;
time to eat please come sit at the table, please open the door. Still
in his own world, but sometimes sharing toys with the other kids.
Nov 20, 99
Good day! No tantrums. Woke up really early so he fill asleep during
dinner.
Nov 21, 99
Wants hugs and kisses from me. Good day! Played in bathtub with other
kids. Only threw toys once and sat down for short T.O. with no
tantrum. Drew a picture-scribbles, but first time he's picked up pencil
without the "bad boy, don't touch that, Ken's a bad boy, don't break
that" litany.
Nov 22, 99
Had a very bad morning, tantrum while changing diaper, tantrum because I
wouldn't let him have a broken toy; he launched himself at me with feet
and fists while holding Noah; throwing toys, pushing other kids. Had a
nap, gave me a hard time, had to put him down twice, but woke up in a
much better mood. Went for visit with Mom & Dad and hugged me when
he came out. Wanted lots of hugs and kisses all right even from company
we had. Played in the tub with Rachel and didn't hang on to the sides
at all. No problem putting to bed.
Nov 23, 99
As he interacts more with the children, he is pushing and hitting from
lack of social skills. Starting to share. We went for a hair cut today
and he was asking all the hairdressers for hugs. Brenda was here and he
wanted hugs and kisses from her and myself. Had a temper tantrum during
dinner because I wouldn't let him just drink juice so he refused to eat
supper. Played with everyone in the bathtub. Went to bed with no
problem.
Nov 24, 99
Good morning - lots of hugs. Just before lunch he hit Hannah with a
play bat in the head hard enough to bruise and welt. Really inquisitive
- playing with water in the sink and pouring it on the floor - normal
kid stuff. Good evening. Bath, bed no problems.
Nov 25, 99
Welcome to our world, Ken!! Didn't "zone out" at all today, just tried
to test the limits and see if temper tantrums work; they didn't so he'd
stop and go back to playing with the other kids. When I woke him up
from his nap, I asked him if he wanted to go see Mon & Dad - he
lost it - held his breath till his lips turned blue and threw himself to
the ground and started screaming. He went limp so I couldn't dress him
and kept screaming until I got him in the car. During supper started
screaming and wouldn't stop; I think it was a combination of finished
his juice and wanted more, tired and continuation of tantrum from visit.
Whenever I have not been in eye sight of him he screamed and came to
find me. Like I stated before, I think he's coming into this world.
(When I T.O. him today, he's say "want a hug" to deal his way out of
T.O.) When he went to bed last night, he took all the movies in the
headboard out of their cases and ripped out one tape and several covers.
This is the first time he has done anything destructive.
The date on this document, Nov 20 1999, is a mistake, since that is a Saturday, and the document refers to events during visitation that started on Nov 22. Nov 29 is likely. The Safety Assessment following also has an erroneous date. The numbers 5478 are printed by the same machine printing our names. The documents are attributed to Kim Evans based on the approvals, though the first person references are by Kim James. -RTMQ
Dufferin Child and Family Services | McQuaid/Prosh Robert and Linda | ||
50 Fourth Ave, Unit #13 Orangeville, Ontario L0N 1N0 | 5478 |
Case Status: Open Case Worker: Kim James Classification: Protection | |
Risk Assessment
Completed for Social Worker: Kim James Reason for Report - Initial - within 21 days | |||
Caregiver's Name | Relationship | ||
Prosh, Linda | Mother | ||
McQuaid, Robert | Father | ||
Remarks
(Explain if not planning to
rate caregiver(s) listed.) | The information provided is based on conversations with Linda and Bob, and observations made during their daily visits with Ken. This assessment was completed jointly with input from Jennifer Moore and Kim Evans as well as myself. | ||
Child's Name | Child's D.O.B. | ||
McQuaid, Kenneth Darryl | 16/10/96 | ||
Remarks: (Explain if not planning to rate child(ren) listed.) |
CAREGIVER INFLUENCE | |
CG1. Abuse/Neglect of Caregiver 0 Prosh, Linda 4 McQuaid, Robert |
4. Severe abuse/neglect as a child. 3. Recurrent but not severe abuse/neglect as a child. 2. Episodes of abuse/neglect as a child. 1. Perceived abuse/neglect as a child with no specific incidents. 0. No perceived abuse/neglect as a child. 9. Insufficient information to make a rating. |
CG1. Summary Descriptions. Use specific examples to justify your risk ratings. Specify the caregiver(s) or child(ren) to whom the risk factor applies. Previous Current | |
CG2. Alcohol or Drug Use 0 Prosh, Linda 0 McQuaid, Robert |
4. Substance use with severe social/behavioural
consequences. 3. Substance use with serious social/behavioural consequences. 2. Occasional substance use with negative effects on behaviour. 1. Occasional substance use. 0. No misuse of alcohol or use of drugs. 9. Insufficient information to make a rating. |
Use specific examples to justify your risk ratings. Specify the caregiver(s) or child(ren) to whom the risk factor applies. Previous Current | |
CG3. Caregiver's Expectations of Child 3 Prosh, Linda 3 MaQuaid, Robert |
4. Unrealistic expectations with violent punishment. 3. Unrealistic expectations with angry conflicts. 2. Inconsistent expectations leading to confusion. 1. Realistic expectations with minimal support. 0. Realistic expectations with strong support. 9. Insufficient information to make a rating. |
Use specific examples to justify your risk ratings. Specify the caregiver(s) or child(ren) to whom the risk factor applies. Previous Current | |
CG4. Caregiver's Acceptance of Child 3 Prosh, Linda 3 McQuaid, Robert |
4. Rejects and is hostile to child. 3. Disapproves of and resents child. 2. Indifferent and aloof to child. 1. Limited acceptance of child. 0. Very accepting of child. 9. Insufficient information to make a rating. |
Use specific examples to justify your risk ratings. Specify the caregiver(s) or child(ren) to whom the risk factor applies. Previous Current | |
CG5. Physical Capacity to Care for Child 0 Prosh, Linda 0 McQuaid, Robert |
4. Incapacitated due to chronic illness or disability resulting
in inability to care for child. 3. Physical impairment or illness which seriously impairs child caring capacity. 2. Moderate physical impairment or illnesses resulting in only limited impact on child caring capacity. 1. Very limited physical impairment or illness with virtually no impact on child caring capacity. 0. Healthy with no identifiable risk to child caring capacity. 9. Insufficient information to make a rating. |
Use specific examples to justify your risk ratings. Specify the caregiver(s) or child(ren) to whom the risk factor applies. Previous Current | |
CG6. Mental/Emotional/Intellectual Capacity to Care for
Child 9 Prosh, Linda 9 McQuaid, Robert |
4. Incapacitated due to mental/emotional disturbance or
developmental disability resulting in inability to care for
child. 3. Serious mental/emotional disturbance or developmental disability with seriously impairs child caring capacity. 2. Moderate mental/emotional disturbance or developmental disability with limited impairment of child caring capacity. 1. Symptoms of mental/emotional disturbance or developmental disability with no impact on child caring capacity. 0. No identifiable mental/emotional disturbance. 9. Insufficient information to make a rating. |
Use specific examples to justify your risk ratings. Specify the caregiver(s) or child(ren) to whom the risk factor applies. Previous Current |
CHILD INFLUENCE | |
C1. Child's Vulnerability 3 McQuaid, Kenneth Darryl |
4. Child younger than 2 years old, or older child with special
needs. 3. Child older than 2 years old, not regularly visible in the community. 2. Child is under 12 years old, attends school, day care, or early childhood development program. 1. Child is over 12 years old, and younger than 16 years old. 0. Child is 16 years old or older, with adequate self-sufficiency skills. 9. Insufficient information to make a rating. |
Use specific examples to justify your risk ratings. Specify the caregiver(s) or child(ren) to whom the risk factor applies. Previous Current | |
C2. Child's Response to Caregiver 4 McQuaid, Kenneth Darryl |
4. Extremely anxious with uncontrolled fear, withdrawal, or
passivity. 3. Very anxious with negative, disruptive, and possibly violent interaction. 2. Moderately anxious with apprehension and suspicion toward caregiver. 1. Marginally anxious with some hesitance toward caregiver. 0. Child trust and responds to caregiver in age-appropriate way. 9. Insufficient information to make a rating. |
Use specific examples to justify your risk ratings. Specify the caregiver(s) or child(ren) to whom the risk factor applies. Previous Current | |
C3. Child's Behaviour 3 McQuaid, Kenneth Darryl |
4. Dangerous behaviour problems. 3. Serious behaviour problems. 2. Moderate but pervasive behaviour problems. 1. Minor behaviour problems. 0. No significant behaviour problems. 9. Insufficient information to make a rating. |
Use specific examples to justify your risk ratings. Specify the caregiver(s) or child(ren) to whom the risk factor applies. Previous Current | |
C4. Child's Mental Health and Development 3 McQuaid, Kenneth Darryl |
4. Incapacitated due to mental/emotional disturbance or
developmental delay and unable to function independently.
3. Serious mental/emotional disturbance or developmental delay impairs ability to function in most daily activities. 2. Moderate mental/emotional disturbance or developmental delay impairs ability to perform some daily activities. 1. Symptoms of mental/emotional disturbance with minimal impact on daily activities. 0. No identifiable mental/emotional disturbance. 9. Insufficient information to make a rating. |
Use specific examples to justify your risk ratings. Specify the caregiver(s) or child(ren) to whom the risk factor applies. Previous Current | |
C5. Child's Physical Health and Development 0 McQuaid, Kenneth Darryl |
4. Severe physical illness, disability, or lack of physical
development; requires medical care. 3. Serious physical illness, disability, or lack of physical development; restricts activities without special care. 2. Moderate physical illness, disability, or lack of physical development; restricts activities somewhat but overcome with special care. 1. Mild physical illness, disability, or lack of physical development; does not restrict activities. 0. Healthy and no obvious physical illness, disability, or lack of physical development. 9. Insufficient information to make a rating. |
Use specific examples to justify your risk ratings. Specify the caregiver(s) or child(ren) to whom the risk factor applies. Previous Current |
FAMILY INFLUENCE | |
F1. Family Violence
3 Family Situation. |
4. Repeated or serious physical violence or substantial risk of
serious physical violence in family. 3. Incidents of physical violence in family; imbalance of power and control. 2. Isolation and intimidation; threats of harm. 1. Verbal aggression. 0. Mutual tolerance. 9. Insufficient information to make a rating. |
Use specific examples to justify your risk ratings. Specify the caregiver(s) or child(ren) to whom the risk factor applies. Previous Current | |
F2. Ability to Cope With Stress 9 Family Situation. |
4. Chronic crisis with limited coping. 3. Prolonged crisis strains coping skills. 2. Stabilized after period of crisis. 1. Resolution without adverse effect. 0. Free from stress influence. 9. Insufficient information to make a rating. |
Use specific examples to justify your risk ratings. Specify the caregiver(s) or child(ren) to whom the risk factor applies. Previous Current | |
F3 Availability of Social Supports
4 Family Situation. |
4. Effectively isolated. 3. Some support, but unreliable. 2. Some reliable support, but limited usefulness. 1. Some reliable and useful support. 0. Multiple sources of reliable and useful support. 9. Insufficient information to make a rating. |
Use specific examples to justify your risk ratings. Specify the caregiver(s) or child(ren) to whom the risk factor applies. Previous Current | |
F4. Living Conditions 3 Family Situation. |
4. Extremely unsafe; multiple hazardous conditions that are
dangerous to children and have caused physical injury or
illness. 3. Very unsafe; multiple hazardous conditions that are dangerous to children. 2. Unsafe; one hazardous condition that is dangerous to children. 1. Fairly safe; one possibly hazardous condition that may harm children. 0. Safe; no hazardous conditions apparent. 9. Insufficient information to make a rating. |
Use specific examples to justify your risk ratings. Specify the caregiver(s) or child(ren) to whom the risk factor applies. Previous Current | |
F5. Family Identity and Interactions 4 Family Situation. |
4. Negative family interactions. 3. Family interactions generally indifferent. 2. Inconsistent family interactions. 1. Family interaction usually positive. 0. Family interactions typically supportive. 9. Insufficient information to make a rating. |
Use specific examples to justify your risk ratings. Specify the caregiver(s) or child(ren) to whom the risk factor applies. Previous Current |
INTERVENTION INFLUENCE | |
I1 Caregiver's Motivation
3 Prosh, Linda 3 McQuaid, Robert |
4. No motivation to meet child's needs.
3. Very little motivation to meet child's needs. 2. Motivated to meet child's needs, but caregiver has multiple impediments to solving problems. 1. Motivated to meet child's needs, but caregiver has some impediments to solving problems. 0. Motivated to meet child's needs, and caregiver has not impediments to solving problems. 9. Insufficient information to make a rating. |
Use specific examples to justify your risk ratings. Specify the caregiver(s) or child(ren) to whom the risk factor applies. Previous Current | |
I2. Caregiver's Cooperation with Intervention
0 Prosh, Linda 3 McQuaid, Robert |
4. Refuses to cooperate.
3. Cooperates minimally, but resists intervention. 2. Cooperates, but poor response to interventions. 1. Cooperates, with generally appropriate response to intervention. 0. Cooperates with intervention. 9. Insufficient information to make a rating. |
Use specific examples to justify your risk ratings. Specify the caregiver(s) or child(ren) to whom the risk factor applies. Previous Current |
ABUSE/NEGLECT INFLUENCE | |
A1. Access to Child by Perpetrator
4 Prosh, Linda 4 McQuaid, Robert |
4. Open access with no adult supervision.
3. Open access with ineffective adult supervision. 2. Open access with effective adult supervision. 1. Limited access with effective adult supervision. 0. No access to child. 9. Insufficient information to make a rating. |
Use specific examples to justify your risk ratings. Specify the caregiver(s) or child(ren) to whom the risk factor applies. Previous Current | |
A2. Intent and Acknowledgement of Responsibility
4 Prosh, Linda 4 McQuaid, Robert |
4. Deliberate or premeditated abuse or neglect.
3. Hides or denies responsibility for abuse/neglect. 2. Rationalizes abuse/neglect or doesn't understand role. 1. Understands role in abuse/neglect; accepts responsibility. 0. Abuse is accidental or neglect is not deliberate. 9. Insufficient information to make a rating. |
Use specific examples to justify your risk ratings. Specify the caregiver(s) or child(ren) to whom the risk factor applies. Previous Current | |
A3. Severity of Abuse/Neglect
3 Prosh, Linda 3 McQuaid, Robert |
4. Extreme harm or substantial danger of extreme harm.
3. Serious harm of substantial danger of serious harm. 2. Moderate harm or substantial danger of moderate harm. 1. Minor harm or substantial danger of minor harm. 0. No harm or substantial danger of harm. 9. Insufficient information to make a rating. |
Use specific examples to justify your risk ratings. Specify the caregiver(s) or child(ren) to whom the risk factor applies. Previous Current | |
A4. History of Abuse/Neglect Committed by Present Caregivers
0 Prosh, Linda 0 McQuaid, Robert |
4. Severe or escalating pattern of past abuse/neglect.
3. Serious recent incident or a pattern of abuse/neglect. 2. Previous abuse/neglect. 1. Abuse/neglect concerns. 0. No history of abuse/neglect. 9. Insufficient information to make a rating. |
Use specific examples to justify your risk ratings. Specify the caregiver(s) or child(ren) to whom the risk factor applies. Previous Current |
RISK ANALYSIS WORKSHEET | |
get risk
factors A. List, in point form, all risk factors which received a rating of 3 or 4 and any other risk factors that should be considered: CG1. Abuse/Neglect of Caregiver - 4
CG3. Caregiver's Expectations of Child - 3
F2. Ability to Cope with Stress - 9 | |
B. Describe the significance and interaction
of the risk factors which contribute to an overall risk rating
and should be considered in Plan of Service:
The greatest significance is that all of these risk factors increase due to Ken's age. Parents have failed to provide a safe, secure, nurturing and stimulating environment for their son through confinement and lack of supervision. There is little to no interaction with their child and there is a possibility that Ken has not met his developmental milestones due to lack of a positive environment. | |
C. Describe significant family or
individual strengths which have been identified and may be
used as part of
the service plan to reduce future risk:
Parents have the mental capacity to learn appropriate child care. | |
D. Describe how relevant family members view the
identified risk elements and any other areas of family
functioning identified in C, above:
Linda stated that she would do anything to have her son back, however her insight into the problems is not accurate. For example, she focused on her lack of housekeeping as being a large issue as opposed to the very apparent safety and developmental issues that directly impact on Ken. | |
E. Give rating or overall risk for family ■ High Risk □ Moderately High Risk □ Intermediate Risk □ Moderately Low Risk □ No/Low Risk | |
create
service plan F. Identify the key risk factors and the expected outcomes which should be addressed in this family's Plan of Service: CG1, C2, F3 & 5, I2, A1 & 2, CG3, 4 & 6, C1 & 3, F1 & 4, I1, A3 & F2 |
SEND FOR APPROVAL | |
send for
approval | |
Supervisor: Kim Evans | Date: |
Date Risk Assessment Completed: | 20/11/99
|
Approval Section:
APPROVAL SECTION | |
Approve Document: □ Yes □ No | |
Approved By: | Date: |
Changes Required: ■ |
Dufferin Child and Family Services | McQuaid/Prosh Robert and Linda | ||
50 Fourth Ave, Unit #13 Orangeville, Ontario L0N 1N0 | 5478 |
Case Status: Open
Case Worker: Kim James Classification: Protection | |
Safety Assessment
Completed for Social Worker: Kim James | |||
Caregiver's Name | Relationship | ||
Prosh, Linda | Mother | ||
McQuaid, Robert | Father | ||
Remarks
(Explain if not planning to
rate caregiver(s) listed.) | |||
Child's Name | Child's D.O.B. | ||
McQuaid, Kenneth Darryl | 16/10/96 | ||
Remarks: (Explain if not planning to rate child(ren) listed.) |
Safety Factor | Present | Information Supporting Safety Factor |
1. Caregiver's behaviour is violent or out of control |
□ Yes □ No ■ Not Known | At this time is does not appear that the parents behavior has been violent or out of control, but given that Ken is unable to communicate, this may never be known. |
2. Caregiver describes or acts toward child in predominantly negative terms or has extremely unrealistic expectations. |
■ Yes □ No □ Not Known | The parents have left Ken unattended for an undetermined length of time and they do not understand why he would destroy their home. They are not able to redirect him or control his behavior. Linda stated that when she takes him for walks she does not understand why she has to carry him back. Also neither parent picked up on his developmental milestone delays quickly. |
3. Caregiver caused, or has made a plausible threat that has or would result in, serious physical harm to the child. |
□ Yes □ No ■ Not Known | This is unknown as Ken is unable to communicate. |
4. Child's whereabouts cannot be ascertained and/or there is reason to believe that the family is about to flee or refuse access to the child |
□ Yes ■ No □ Not Known | Not an issue. |
5. Caregiver has not, or will not, provide sufficient supervision to protect the child from potentially serious harm. |
■ Yes □ No □ Not Known | This is the main reason for our involvement. They have left Ken unattended for an unknown amount of time. He has basically been confined within his own home and locked out of many rooms. |
6. Caregiver has not, or is unable, to meet the child's immediate needs for food, clothing, shelter, and/or medical care. |
□ Yes ■ No □ Not Known | Ken appears to be a healthy boy and he has had all of his immunization shots. |
7. Caregiver has previously harmed a child and the severity of the harm, or the caregiver's prior response to the incident, suggests that child safety may be an immediate concern. |
□ Yes ■ No □ Not Known | There is no prior internal record, or police record. |
8. Child is fearful of people living in or frequenting the home. |
□ Yes □ No ■ Not Known | Ken is unable to communicate this to us. My observations are that Ken appears to be indifferent to his parents. |
9. The child's physical living conditions are hazardous and may cause serious harm to the child. |
■ Yes □ No □ Not Known | This is another reason for our involvement. Ken's bedroom had many hazardous conditions in it as well as unprotected heating vents that Ken could fall into and cut or break his leg. |
10. Child sexual abuse is suspected and circumstances suggest that child safety may be an immediate concern. |
□ Yes ■ No □ Not Known | Not at this time. |
11. Caregiver's drug or alcohol use seriously affects his/her ability to supervise, protect, or care for each child. |
□ Yes ■ No □ Not Known | There is no indication at this time that this is a factor. |
12. Other (specify): |
□ Yes ■ No □ Not Known | |
SAFETY DECISION Child to be apprehended and brought to a place of safety. | ||
□ SAFE No children
considered to be in immediate danger of serious harm. ■ UNSAFE Child/children considered to be unsafe without a protection intervention. | ||
IMMEDIATE SAFETY PLAN: Apprehend and bring to a place of safety | ||
OTHER INTERVENTIONS/ACTIONS REQUIRED: □ No additional interventions/actions ■ Risk assessment has been initiated Full medical to determine whether Ken's delays are genetic or environmental |
SEND FOR APPROVAL | |
Send For
Approval | |
Supervisor: | Date: |
Date of Completion: 16/11/99
APPROVAL SECTION | |
Confirm
| |
Approved Document: □ Yes □ No | |
Approved By: | Date: |
Changes Required: ■ |
Regarding these tests, I gave Evelyn Huber my comments, but they were deleted from the material submitted to the court. Here they are:
5. On November 29, 1999 CAS filed documents in this case moving to place the parents, Linda Prosh and me, on the Child Abuse Register. Three days later, following a contested hearing, Judge Allen returned custody of Ken to his parents. Notwithstanding this order, CAS followed though and did place us on the Child Abuse Register. While this action is not under jurisdiction of this court under the CFSA, it is inconsistent with the court's opinion.
5.1. As justification for the Child Abuse Register report CAS attached a document titled "Risk Assessment" by Kim Evans. This form is junk science both in its design and use.
5.2. test design: Most of the questions are vague. The scientifically interesting question of abuse of the caregiver is offensive judicially because it harms one person for the wrongdoing of another, or in social worker terms, deprives a child of his parents on account of faults of his grandparents. Question F3 on social supports treats every farm family as abusers. Question A1 rates any unrestricted parental care as abuse.
5.3. test use: In giving a bad score of 3 for the physical violence question, F1, Kim Evans supports it with the quote: "There is no physical violence". At the time of the investigation, a crown wardship motion was pending, which we resisted with all available means, leading to demerits on question I2 for failure to cooperate with the intervention.
5.4. This technical paragraph subjects the work of Kim Evans to the same technique used to expose scientific fakery. Her numerical evaluations are:
Rating 0 Excellent 9 times Rating 1 Good none Rating 2 Medium none Rating 3 Bad 14 times Rating 4 Very Bad 8 times Rating 9 Unknown 3 times
Discard the nines, Unknown, and assume unrealistically that the five remaining ratings are equally likely. A standard statistical test gives chi squared of 24 with four degrees of freedom. In an unbiased evaluation, the likelihood of a result as bad as Kim Evans' is .00008, less than one in ten thousand. This far exceeds any standard hurdles such as 95% confidence or beyond a reasonable doubt. The assumption of normal distribution is more realistic, but must produce an even worse likelihood, since Kim Evans distribution is U shaped rather than bell shaped. For this analysis I relied on "Introduction to Mathematical Statistics" by Paul G Hoel and "A Handbook of Mathematical Functions" by Milton Abramowitz and Irene A Stegun.
5.5. In non-technical language, Kim Evans has taken the faults that we all share and exaggerated each to the extreme. That should have been apparent to any reader even without statistics.
ONTARIO COURT OF JUSTICE (Name of Court) 10 Louisa Street, Orangeville Ontario L9W 3P9 at Court office address
|
Court file number 180/99 Form 14A: Affidavit (General) dated December 1, 1999 |
Applicant(s) | |
Full legal name & address for service - street &
number, municipality, postal code, telephone & fax
numbers and e-mail address (if any).
The Children's Aid Society of the County of Dufferin50 Fourth Avenue, Unit 13 Orangeville, Ontario L9W 4P1 519-941-1530 phone 519-941-1525 fax |
Lawyer's name & address - street & number,
municipality, postal code, telephone & fax numbers and
e-mail address (if any).
Wardlaw, Mullin, Carter, Thwaites and WardDavid Thwaites 235 Broadway, Orangeville ON 519-941-1760 phone 519-941-3668 fax |
Respondent(s) | |
Full legal name & address for service- street &
number, municipality, postal code, telephone & fax and
e-mail address (if any).
Linda Prosh/Robert McQuaidRR #5 Orangeville, ON L9W 2Z2 940-9847 |
Lawyer's name & address - street & number,
municipality, postal code, telephone & fax numbers and
e-mail address (if any).
Huber & HeerscheEvelyn D Huber 184 Broadway Orangeville ON L9W 1K3 (519)940-4500 phone (519)940-4502 fax |
My name is (full legal name) Linda Prosh
I live in (municipality & province) Township of Mono, County of Dufferin
and I swear/affirm that the following is true:
Set out the statements of fact in consecutively numbered paragraphs. Where possible, each numbered paragraph should consist of one complete sentence and be limited to a particular statement of fact. If you learned a fact from someone else, you must give that person's name and state that you believe that fact to be true.
1. I am the Respondent in this matter and therefore have knowledge of the issues before the court.
2. Shown to me now and attached as Exhibit "A" are photographs of our home taken after November 22, 1999. They show the changes made to the home and particularly to Ken's room. We have addressed the concerns raised by the CAS in their visit on November 22, 1999 to our home.
3. Shown to me now and attached as Exhibit "B" is a copy of a letter from our family physician, Dr Stephen Ross dated November 30, 1999.
4. I make this affidavit in support of my Application to have my child returned.
SWORN before me at the Town of
Orangeville, in the County of Dufferin
this 1st day of December, 1999.
A Commissioner etc. | ) ) ) ) ) ) ) | LProsh
Linda Prosh |
Exhibit A
photographs
Exhibit B
letter from Dr Stephen Ross.
TOTTENHAM MEDICAL CENTRE Tottenham Professional Building BOX 2000, 119 QUEEN ST NORTH TOTTENHAM OFFICE: (905) 936-4211-2-3 | |
MICHAEL RODSON MB ChB ALAN WARD MD WILLIAM R MILLIGAN MD STEPHEN G ROSS, M Ec MD CCFP |
DENISE D'ADDARIO MD M GLINSKI-COMEN PhD MD DONINIQUE LUSSIER MD R A NISHIKAWA MD CCFP |
Evelyn Huber
184 Broadway Ave
Orangeville Ontario
L9W 1K3
Dear Ms Huber,
It has come to my attention that Kenneth McQuaid is now under Childrens Aid Society protection.
Previously I have identified some concerns with this child's development and the parents responses. I have previously referred the child for Pediatrics and Occupational Therapy Assistance.
At no point did I feel that the child was the subject of abuse nor did I feel that either parent would be hurtful to this child. I would hope that Kenneth could again return to his parents, and that they could receive some assistance in parenting.
Sincerely,
Stephen Ross
Dr. Stephen Ross
Ontario Court of Justice (Name of Court)
|
Court file number 180/99
Form 14A: Affidavit (General) dated December 2, 1999 | |
at | 10 Louisa Street, Orangeville Ontario L9W 3P9
Court office address
|
Applicant(s) | |
Full legal name & address for service - street & number, municipality, postal code, telephone & fax numbers and e-mail address (if any). | Lawyer's name & address - street & number, municipality, postal code, telephone & fax numbers and e-mail address (if any). |
The Children's Aid Society of the County of Dufferin 50 Fourth Avenue, Unit 13 Orangeville Ontario L9W 4P1 Canada Phone: 519-941-1530 Fax: 519-941-1525 email: dcafs@hurontario.net | Wardlaw, Mullin, Carter, Thwaites and Ward Attention: David Thwaites 235 Broadway Orangeville, Ontario L9W 2Z5 Canada Phone: 519-941-1700 Fax: 519-941-3688 eMail: dthwaites@wardlaw.on.ca |
Respondent(s) | |
Full legal name & address for service- street & number, municipality, postal code, telephone & fax numbers and e-mail address (if any). | Lawyer's name & address - street & number, municipality, postal code, telephone & fax numbers and e-mail address (if any). |
Robert McQuaid RR #5 Orangeville, Ontario L9W 2Z2, Canada Phone: 940-9847 Linda Prosh RR #5 Orangeville Ontario L9W 2Z2, Canada Phone: 940-9847 | |
My name is (full legal name) Kim James
I live in (municipality & province) Orangeville, Ontario
and I swear/affirm that the following is true:
Set out the statements of fact in consecutively numbered paragraphs. Where possible, each numbered paragraph should consist of one complete sentence and be limited to a particular statement of fact. If you learned a fact from someone else, you must give that person's name and state that you believe that fact to be true.
I, Kim James, of the Town of Orangeville in the County of Dufferin, make oath and say:
1. I am a employed with Dufferin Children's Aid Society as a Child Protection Intake Worker.
2. On November 26, 1999, Jennifer Moore, a co-worker of mine, supervised the visit of Ken McQuaid and his parents. Linda Prosh and Bob McQuaid. Jennifer observed much of the same interaction that had taken place in the previous four visits. A notable and positive change is that Ken kissed his mother today for the first time ever. Ken kisses his mother a few more times during the visit when asked by his mother to give her a kiss. Near the end of the visit Bob states that he never kisses him, only hugs him. It has been a regular occurrence that the parents ask Ken over and over if he wants to go home, if he loves them, if he wants to go in the truck, if he remembers their dog and cat. Ken responds to this by retrieving his coat and then parents say no that he can't go. This confuses and upsets Ken. Another pattern that has been prominent during the visits is the negative self messages that they give Ken. "Ken you broke it, bad boy Ken". During this visit Ken was playing with the blinds in the room. The parents made no attempts to redirect Ken and he eventually broke the blinds. Bob gave Ken permission to wreck them "that's okay let him wreck them". Ken said, "I'm not a bad boy". Mom responded by saying, "Ken wrecked it I think". The blind cord was fully extended and a potential choking hazard by now. Bob responds by saying, "they're the ones who say he's never destructive". Mom replies with, "Ken you can hang yourself on that, then we can sue them for having unsafe things". Bob and Linda continue to allow Ken to play with the blinds and Linda says to Ken, "I didn't break them, you're the one playing with them". This single event causes great concern. The parents once again demonstrate that they do not redirect his misbehaviour. Not only that but during their care and supervision they have allowed Ken to place himself in a potentially dangerous situation, indirectly coaching him along with it. Instead of putting Ken's safety needs first they allow him to continue to meet their needs and goals which at this time is to demonstrate to the Society that Ken is destructive and the opportunity to sue the Society for harm to their son. I understand that the parents are upset with the Society at this time but they have not demonstrated adequate parenting. There were two other negative references to Ken, he broke a Mickey Mouse watch and the time that he took Linda's wallet and threw it out. This information is based on Jennifer Moore's case notes and I verily believe them to be true.
3. It is after this visit that Ken began to demonstrate extremely concerning behaviours at the foster home. Ken assumed the fetal position on the floor sucking his thumb. He would maintain this position for approximately 20 to 30 minute intervals. No matter what the foster parents attempted to arouse Ken from this state, Ken would not respond. This behaviour continued over the weekend and after his visits on November 29 and 30. Originally the foster mother thought that Ken's behaviour may have been due to the fact that he had a low grade fever during the weekend. Ken did not have a fever on November 29 and 30.
4. On December 1, Ken did not have a visit with his parents and the foster mother reports that Ken's behaviour was very good. No headbanging, screaming, freezing or fetal position.
5. I observed the visits on November 29 and 30 and noted some areas of improvement. On Monday, Ken's maternal uncle accompanied Linda and Bob to visit with Ken. His uncle demonstrated interactive play with Ken while playing with the blocks and the wooden puzzle Ken kissed his mother again upon request. There continued to be negative self messages. The parents also made a greater attempt to redirect Ken's behaviour. Linda was able to successfully redirect Ken on three occasions by engaging him another appropriate activity. Although there was notable improvement, much of the hour was spent in a teaching capacity and parents observing Ken playing with toys. Ken did throw the blocks again in the visit on Tuesday. Parents continued to set Ken up for disappointment by asking him about going home, etc. Bob did make attempts on Tuesday to console Ken. Ken fell and hit his head on the floor and Bob picked him up, held him, and rocked him in his lap and gave him comforting words.
6. I attended the parents home along with Trish Cox on November 30 to complete a home safety. Trish Cox will be their Family Service Worker when the file is transferred. The house was very clean and it was evident that Linda and Bob had made great efforts to respond to the potentially hazardous conditions that I had identified earlier. We noted some hazards to the parents such as putting alcohol, prescription and nonprescription medication up or under lock, as well as makeup. The locks had been removed from Ken's bedroom, the two bathrooms, a hall closet and the kitchen. Their master bedroom, Bob's two offices and the basement and laundry room doors remain locked. This is acceptable to the Society. The greatest improvement was Ken's bedroom. It has been painted, the potentially hazardous conditions have been addressed, his toys and dresser have been returned to his room. It is pleasant and child focussed. We also advised them to put approved child safety locks on the cabinet doors in the kitchen and bathrooms as well as child safety plugs in the electrical outlets that were still exposed. Linda and Bob informed us that Ken cannot get outside and is not outside unless he is with one of them. We did note that they do have a pool that is surrounded by the house on three sides but there is no fence restricting access to a potentially hazardous situation, whether the pool is filled with water or not. There is also a balcony off the living room which has a large enough space between the cement floor and the railing that would allow Ken to fall two stories.
7. Linda and Bob have made reasonable efforts to comply with the conditions in the agreement with the Society. The conditions set out in the agreement was not an exhaustive list of our concerns as we had stated that this is preliminary action that needs to occur in order to consider possibly returning Ken home and when. There are outstanding concerns that still remain. Linda and Bob have stated that the reason for the locks on the doors was their response to keeping Ken safe. The concern that now arises is how will they address the safety of Ken now that the locks have been removed from some of the doors? What were there safety concerns prior to our involvement that they felt they needed to lock Ken out? They have not demonstrated an ability to redirect Ken's behaviour on a regular basis and they have not received any from of parenting regarding managing children's misbehaviour. Therefore the concern remains that we have removed their means of child management and it has not been adequately replaced to address Ken's behaviour or his needs. The other condition that has not been satisfactorily met to the Society's standard is in regard to the Parent Infant Program. Linda and Bob have met Nina, who will be the Parent Infant Worker and have arranged a home visit with her. What is not satisfactory at this time is neither Linda Nor Bob appear to be interested in the program, they have not taken the time to read the information about the service. They have not understood or recognized the reason for service being to help stimulate Ken due to his developmental delays and that they will be required to be active participants in learning how to interact with him. Nina has informed them that she has rearranged her scheduled appointments to accommodate them at this time and has taken them onto her full caseload although there is an existing wait list for service. This program is designed to assist families that require and want the help. Nina has stated to Linda, Bob and myself that it will not suffice to provide service to this family if the only reason why they are involved is due to compliance with the agreement as it is extremely important that the parents recognize and identify that their child is requiring support services. The Parent Infant Program is a family centered-relationship based intervention.
8. The Society has contacted Diane Benoit, Child Psychiatrist affiliated with Toronto Sick Children's Hospital, and inquired as to whether she would be able to complete a parenting capacity assessment and the earliest availability. Diane informed this Society that she would be able to accommodate this as early as the week between Christmas and New Years and have a report ready by mid January. A general inquiry was made with regard to Ken's fetal position behaviour and Diane responded that this is very concerning.
9. At the time that the Society entered into the agreement with Linda and Bob, some concerns were identified such as; the conditions within the home, the apparent lack of stimulation to Ken, developmental delays of Ken and the lack of parenting knowledge and the parenting capacity. The conditions outlined were to address those identified areas, recognizing that compliance was not necessarily going to result in returning Ken on December 1, as there were other concerns. Since signing the agreement the Society has had an opportunity to observe the parents interact with Ken which has resulted in very concerning inadequacies with parenting, interaction, and attachment. Ken has also demonstrated concerning behaviours that may be related to his visitations with his parents. It is with this new information that the Society does not believe that it would be in Ken's best interests at this time to return home to his parents care and custody. Without the parents demonstrating that they can effectively manage Ken's behaviour and meet his developmental needs, Ken is at risk of further harm.
10. On November 30, I presented this case to our Child Abuse Review Team. It is expected that every Society have a review team that includes persons who are professionally qualified to perform medical, psychological, developmental, educational or social assessments and at least one legally qualified medical practitioner. This is a standard under the Child and Family Services Act. On this day a medical practitioner, a Principal, the Executive Director of Family Transition Place, a Program Manager of Children's Mental Health and Child Protection, as well as myself were present. The case was reviewed and it was the Review Teams decision and recommendation that Linda Prosh and Bob McQuaid be placed immediately on the Child Abuse Registry due to Severe Emotional Abuse to Ken.
11. I make there statements with no improper intent.
Sworn/Affirmed before me at The Town of Orangeville |
Kim James
Signature
(This form is to be signed in front of a lawyer, justice of the peace, notary public or commissioner for taking affidavits.) | ||
(municipality) | |||
In | Ontario | ||
(province, state or country) | |||
on | December 2, 1999 | Irene Beazley
| |
(date) | Commissioner for taking affidavits (Type or print below if signature is illegible) | ||
IRENE BEAZLEY A Commissioner etc, Province of Ontario, for the Children's Aid Society. Expires September 27, 2000 |
-End of Document-
ONTARIO COURT OF JUSTICE
(Name of Court) 10 Louisa Street, Orangeville Ontario L9W 3P9 at Court office address
|
Court file number 180/99 Form 14A: Affidavit (General) dated December 2, 1999 |
Applicant(s) | |
Full legal name & address for service - street &
number, municipality, postal code, telephone & fax
numbers and e-mail address (if any).
The Children's Aid Society of the County of Dufferin50 Fourth Avenue, Unit 13 Orangeville, Ontario L9W 4P1 519-941-1530 phone 519-941-1525 fax |
Lawyer's name & address - street & number,
municipality, postal code, telephone & fax numbers and
e-mail address (if any).
Wardlaw, Mullin, Carter, Thwaites and WardDavid Thwaites 235 Broadway, Orangeville ON 519-941-1760 phone 519-941-3668 fax |
Respondent(s) | |
Full legal name & address for service- street &
number, municipality, postal code, telephone & fax and
e-mail address (if any).
Linda Prosh/Robert McQuaidRR #5 Orangeville, ON L9W 2Z2 940-9847 |
Lawyer's name & address - street & number,
municipality, postal code, telephone & fax numbers and
e-mail address (if any).
Huber & HeerscheEvelyn D Huber 184 Broadway Orangeville ON L9W 1K3 (519)940-4500 phone (519)940-4502 fax |
My name is (full legal name) Robert McQuaid
I live in (municipality & province) Township of Mono, County of Dufferin
and I swear/affirm that the following is true:
Set out the statements of fact in consecutively numbered paragraphs. Where possible, each numbered paragraph should consist of one complete sentence and be limited to a particular statement of fact. If you learned a fact from someone else, you must give that person's name and state that you believe that fact to be true.
1. I am the Respondent in this matter and therefore have knowledge of the issues before the court.
2. I have had the opportunity to review the most recent affidavits of Kim James dated November 29, 1999 and December 2, 1999.
3. I have grave concerns at the behaviour Ken is currently exhibiting in his Foster environment. There is certain behaviour that is being described that I have never seen him exhibit when in our care.
4. Specifically, Ken has never "frozen" as Ms James describes in her November 29, 1999 affidavit. I have never seen him go into a fetal position as described by Ms James. My wife, Linda Prosh advises me, that she has never witnessed the child exhibit either of these behaviours either.
5. I believe that Ken is feeling frightened and disorientated with the current situation and is acting in an unusual fashion.
6. The CAS had made in issue with us that Ken had not been behaving destructively in Foster care, initially anyway. When Ken started to become destructive at the CAS office during one of our visits, I did not intervene, as I would ordinarily have, in order that the CAS might witness some of the behaviour we had described to him. I am concerned that Ken tried to play on the swings at the Foster home that are in the back yard and that is the reason for his having broken the lock there. It is very much a part of Linda's routine with Ken to play on the swings with him.
7. I wish to reiterate that the environment at the CAS office is entirely unnatural and not conducive to any normal interaction with Ken. Ken is feeling distraught at the separation and needs to come home. We have lined up a number of professionals who are going to assist us in dealing more effectively with Ken. We only ask the opportunity to effect those changes. In order to do so, Ken must be returned home. Ken is very loved by Linda and me. We are both very private with our feelings in a public environment. We look forward to entering into a meaningful relationship with a counsellor in order to assist us. We have made contact with William Weiner, a counsellor in Orangeville. We met with Will on November 30, 1999 and discussed with him our situation, the CAS involvement and our desire to retain him to assist us in parenting. We have another visit set up on December 7, 1999 with Ken so that he might observe us. We have provided our consent to allow Will to discuss this matter with the CAS. We believe that this type of counselling would be significantly more productive than a generic parenting course.
8. The CAS has mentioned to us that they may wish a parenting capacity assessment to be conducted by Hospital for Sick Children or Chedoke McMaster in Hamilton. They have not provided us with a referral or any further information regarding this issue.
9. I make this affidavit in support of my Application to have my child returned.
SWORN before me at the Town of
Orangeville, in the County of Dufferin
this 2nd day of December, 1999. EHuber A Commissioner etc. | ) ) ) ) ) ) ) | Robt T McQuaid
Robert McQuaid |
(from a photocopy of the judge's notes)
Nov 22 - on consent child is placed in temporary care & custody of CAS with access by parents as arranged by it. - adjd to Dec 1/99 at 10am & on the terms & conditions outlined in the consent filed. /signature illegible/ Dec 1/99 Mr Thwaites Ms Huber & Parents about 1 to 1 1/2 hour required, to consider whether child can be returned to Parents & if so, the conditions which should apply. 5 40 pm unable to deal with this urgent matter. Matter is adjourned; if parents can demonstrate a compelling case for the return of the child & if it can be demonstrated that CAS have been wilfully unreasonable in delaying the return of the child, presiding justice to consider whether costs on CAS should be awarded. Dec 8/99 10 AM to be given priority Justice Allen to be approached to determine whether this motion may be heard on an earlier date. /signed/ Dec 2/99: Mr Thwaites & Ms Huber - Parents present Submissions by counsel. for oral reasons, the child shall be returned to the care & custody of the parents subject to the Society's supervision & on these terms & conditions 1) child to be enrolled forthwith in "Friends" (Mon to Fri Daycare Program). 2) Parents to work with Dr Ron Murphy of Orangeville & follow his Recommendations & Referrals as to possible assessments 3) continue re 2 (c) of the earlier consent filed and 2(d) & (e) and (f) plus (as to (e)) " & such other persons providing the services described in par 2(a)(b)(c) & (f) - adjourned to Dec 22/99 at 10 am. /signed/
Ages & Stages
Questionnaires: A Parent-Completed, Child Monitoring
System
By Diane Bricker, Jane Squires, and Linda Mounts with assistance from LaWanda Potter, Robert Nickel, and Jane Farrell
♦ 36 Month ♦
Questionnaire To complete/check at next visit. N. On the following pages are questions about activities children do. Your child may have already done some of the activities described here, and there may be some your child has not begun doing yet. For each item, please check the box that tells whether our child is doing the activity regularly, sometimes, or not yet. Important Points to Remember:
|
♦ 36 Month ♦
Questionnaire Please fill out the following information. Child's name: Ken McQUAID Child's date of birth: Oct 16/96 Who is filling out this questionnaire? NKLA What is your relationship to the child? PiP consultant Your telephone: Your mailing address: City: State: zip code: List people assisting in questionnaire completion: parents Today's date: Dec 16/99 Administering program or provider: PIP/DSS//DCAF |
YES | SOME- TIMES | NOT YET | |||
COMMUNICATION Be sure to try each activity with your child. | |||||
1. | When you ask her to point to her nose, then her eyes, hair, feet, ears, tummy and so forth, does your child point to at least seven body parts correctly? (She can point to parts of herself, you, or a doll). | ■ | □ | □ | 10
|
2. | Does your child make sentences that are three or
four words long? Please give an example: No, it doesn't go pop | ■ | □ | □ | 10
|
3. | Without giving him help by pointing or using gestures,
ask your child to "Put the shoe on the table" and "Put
the book under the chair". Does your child carry out
both of these directions correctly? + to check | ■ | □ | □ | 10
|
4. | When looking at a picturebook, does your child tell you what is happening or what action is taking place in the picture? (For example, "Barking", "Running", "Eating", and "Crying"). You may ask, "What is the dog (or boy) doing?" | □ | ■ | □ | 5
|
5. | Show your child how a zipper on a coat moves up and down, and say, "See, this goes up and down". Put the zipper to the middle and ask your child to move the zipper down. Return the zipper to the middle and ask the child to move the zipper up. Do this several times, placing the zipper in the middle before asking the child to move it up or down. Does your child consistently move the zipper up when you say "up" and down when you say "down"? | ■ | □ | □ | 10
|
6. | When you ask, "What is your name?" does your child say both her first and last name? | □ | ■ | □ | 5
|
COMMUNICATIONS TOTAL | 50
|
YES | SOME- TIMES | NOT YET | |||
GROSS MOTOR Be sure to try each activity with your child. | |||||
1. | Without holding onto anything for support, does your child kick a ball by swinging his leg forward? | ■ | □ | □ | 10
|
2. | Does your child jump with both feet leaving the floor at the same time? | □ | □ | ■ | 0
|
3. | Does your child walk up stairs, using only one foot on each stair? The left foot on one step and the right foot on the next. She may hold onto the railing or wall. (You can look for this at a store, on a playground, or at home). | □ | □ | ■ | 0
|
4. | Does your child stand on one foot for about 1 second without holding onto anything? | □ | ■ | □ | 5
|
5. | While standing, does your child throw a ball overhand by raising his arm to shoulder height and throwing the ball forward? (Dropping the ball or throwing the ball underhand does not count). | ■ | □ | □ | 10
|
6. | Does your child jump forward at least 6 inches with both feet leaving the ground at the same time? | □ | □ | ■ | 0
|
GROSS MOTOR TOTAL | 25
|
YES | SOME- TIMES | NOT YET | |||
FINE MOTOR Be sure to try each activity with your child. | |||||
1. | After she watches you draw a line from the top of the paper to the bottom with a pencil, crayon, or pen, ask your child to make a line like yours. Do not let your child trace your line. Does your child copy you by drawing a single line in a vertical direction? | ■ | □ | □ | 10
|
2. | Does your child thread a shoelace through a bead or an eyelet of a shoe? | ■ | □ | □ | 10
|
3. | After he watches you draw a single circle ask your child to make a circle like yours. Do not let her trace your circle. Does your child copy you by drawing a circle? | ■ | □ | □ | 10
|
4. | After she watches you draw a line from one side of the paper to the other side, ask your child to make a line like yours. Do not let your child trace your line. Does your child copy you by drawing a single line in a horizontal direction? | ■ | □ | □ | 10
|
5. | Does your child try to cut paper with child-safe scissors? He does not need to cut the paper but must get the blades to open and close while holding the paper with the other hand. (You may show your child how to use scissors). | □ | □ | ■ | 0
|
6. | When drawing, does your child hold a pencil, crayon, or pen between her fingers and thumb like an adult does? | □ | □ | ■ | 0
|
FINE MOTOR TOTAL | 40
|
YES | SOME- TIMES | NOT YET | |||
PROBLEM SOLVING Be sure to try each activity with your child. | |||||
1. | While your child watches, line up four objects like blocks or cars in a row. Does your child copy you or imitate and line up four objects in a row? (You can also use spools or thread, small boxes, or other toys). | ■ | □ | □ | 10
|
2. | If your child wants something he cannot reach, does he go and find something like a chair or box to stand on to reach it? | □ | □ | □ | tc
|
3. | When you point to the figure and ask your child, "What
is this?" does your child say a word that means a person?
Responses like "snowman", "boy", "man", "girl", and "Daddy" are
correct. Please write your child's response here: apple j | □ | □ | ■ | 0
|
4. | When you say, "Say seven three", does your child repeat just the two numbers in the correct order? Do not repeat the numbers, If necessary, try another pair of numbers and say, "Say eight two". Your child must repeat just one series of two numbers for you to answer "yes" to this question. | ■ | □ | □ | 10
|
5. | Show your child how to make a bridge with blocks, boxes, or cans, like the example. does your child copy you by making one like it? | □ | □ | □ | tc
|
6. | When you say "Say five eight three", does your child repeat just the three numbers in the correct order? Do not repeat these numbers. If necessary, try another series of numbers and say, "Say six nine two". Your child must repeat just one series of three numbers for you to answer "yes" to this question. | ■ | □ | □ | 10
|
PROBLEM SOLVING TOTAL | 30+
|
YES | SOME- TIMES | NOT YET | |||
PERSONAL-SOCIAL Be sure to try each activity with your child. | |||||
1. | Does your child use a spoon to feed herself with little spilling? | □ | ■ | □ | 5
|
2. | Does your child push a little shopping cart, stroller, or wagon, steering around objects and backing out of corners if he cannot turn? | □ | □ | □ | |
3. | When she is looking in a mirror and you ask, "Who is in the mirror?", does your child say either "Me" or her own name? | ■ | □ | □ | 10
|
4. | Can your child put on a coat, jacket, or shirt by
himself? helps | □ | □ | ■ | 0
|
5. | Using these exact words, ask your child, "Are you a girl or a boy?". Does your child answer correctly? | □ | □ | ■ | 0
|
6. | Does your child take turns by waiting while another child or adult takes a turn? | □ | ■ | □ | 5
|
PERSONAL-SOCIAL TOTAL | 20+
|
OVERALL Parents and providers may use the back of this sheet for additional comments. | |||
1. | Do you think your child hears well? If no, explain: | YES■ | NO□ |
2. | Do you think your child talks like other children her
age? If no, explain: | YES□ | NO■ |
3. | Can you understand most of what your child says? If no, explain: | YES■ | NO□ |
4. | Do you think your child walks, runs, and climbs like
other children his age? If no, explain: | YES□ | NO■ |
5. | Does either parent have any family history of
childhood deafness or hearing impairment? If yes, explain: | YES□ | NO□ |
6. | Has your child had any medical problems in the last
several months? If yes, explain: | YES□ | NO□ |
7. | Does anything about your child worry you? If yes, explain: | YES□ | NO□ |
36 Month ASQ Information Summary
Child's name: Ken McQUAID Who is filling out the ASQ? N K Little Alcorn Mailing address: Telephone: Today's Date: Dec 16/99 | Date of Birth: Oct 16/96 Relationship to child: home visitor (PiP) City: State: Zip: Assisting in ASQ completion: |
OVERALL: Please transfer the answers in the Overall section of the questionnaire by circling "yes" or "no" and reporting any parents' comments.
|
|
SCORING THE QUESTIONNAIRE
Total | 0 | 5 | 10 | 15 | 20 | 25 | 30 | 35 | 40 | 45 | 50 | 55 | 60 | cutoff |
Communication | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ | ■ | □ | □ | 38.7 |
Gross motor | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ | ■ | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ | 35.7 |
Fine motor | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ | ■ | □ | □ | □ | □ | 30.0 |
Problem solving | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ | ■ | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ | 38.6 |
Personl-social | □ | □ | □ | □ | ■ | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ | □ | 38.7 |
Total | 0 | 5 | 10 | 15 | 20 | 25 | 30 | 35 | 40 | 45 | 50 | 55 | 60 |
Examine the darkened circles for each area in the chart above.
Administering program or provider:
(The following document was prepared by a professional not associated with Children's Aid, who was retained by Friends at Hand-in-Hand day care to deal with Ken's rampage behavior. She found he was not eligible for help, because his score on the test was above the threshold of 60. The test without this note is filed in court. - RTMQ)
A. | CHILD DATA | Year | Month | Day | ||||
Child's Name | Kenneth | Date of Screening | 99 | 12 | 20 | School/ Program | Hand in Hand | |
Parents/ Guardian | Birthdate | 96 | 10 | 16 | Teacher | Karen | ||
Address | Age | 3 | 2 | 4 | Assessor | Joyce Cook |
B. SCREENING ASSESSMENTS Skill: (Circle the skill for each correct response. Make notes as appropriate.) | C. SCORING | |||
Number of Correct Responses | Point Value | Child's Score | ||
2.1A |
Personal Data Response: Orally gives 1 first name 2 last name 3 age | 0 | 2 | 0/6 |
3.2A |
Identifies Body Parts: Points to or touches: 1 ears 2 head 3 legs 4 arms 5 fingers 6 thumbs 7 toes 8 neck 9 stomach | 7 | 1 | 7/9 |
4.3A |
Gross Motor Skills: 1 Stands on one foot one second. 2 Walks tiptoe three steps. 3 Walks forward heel-and-toe three steps. | 2 | 3 | 6/9 |
5.4 |
Identifies Objects: Points to picture of 1 Stove 2 Coat 3 Car | 3 | 3 | 9/9 |
6.5A |
Repeats Sentences: Repeats sentences of 1 three syllables 2 four syllables 3 five syllables | 3 | 3 | 9/9 |
7.6A |
Visual Motor Skills: Copies 1 circle 2 horizontal dash 3 vertical dash | 2 | 3 | 6/9 |
8.7A |
Number Concepts: Demonstrates by giving 1 one 2 one more 3 two | 2 | 3 | 6/9 |
9.8A |
Builds Tower with Blocks: builds a tower with 1 3 blocks 2 4 blocks 3 5 blocks 4 6 blocks 5 7 blocks | 5 | 2 | 10/10 |
10.9 |
Matches Colors: Matches 1 red 2 blue 3 green 4 yellow 5 orange | 5 | 2 | 10/10 |
11.10A |
Picture Vocabulary: Names 1 tree 2 bird 3 apple 4 pencil 5 sock | 4 | 2 | 8/10 |
12.11 |
Plural s and -ing: Adds 1 plural s 2 ing to verbs | 1 | 5 | 5/10 |
Total Score = | 76/100 |
D. OBSERVATIONS
E. SUMMARY (Complete only if child is screened with group)
F. RECOMMENDATIONS
Ontario Court of Justice (Name of Court)
|
Court file number 180/99 Form 14A: Affidavit (General) dated December 21, 1999 | |
at |
10 Louisa Street, Orangeville Ontario L9W 3P9
Court office address
|
Applicant(s) | |
Full legal name & address for service - street & number, municipality, postal code, telephone & fax numbers and e-mail address (if any). | Lawyer's name & address - street & number, municipality, postal code, telephone & fax numbers and e-mail address (if any). |
The Children's Aid Society of the County of Dufferin 50 Fourth Avenue, Unit 13 Orangeville Ontario L9W 4P1 Canada Phone: 519-941-1530 Fax: 519-941-1525 email: dcafs@hurontario.net | Wardlaw, Mullin, Carter, Thwaites and Ward Attention: David Thwaites 235 Broadway Orangeville, Ontario L9W 2Z5 Canada Phone: 519-941-1700 Fax: 519-941-3688 eMail: dthwaites@wardlaw.on.ca |
Respondent(s) | |
Full legal name & address for service- street & number, municipality, postal code, telephone & fax numbers and e-mail address (if any). | Lawyer's name & address - street & number, municipality, postal code, telephone & fax numbers and e-mail address (if any). |
Robert McQuaid RR #5 Orangeville, Ontario L9W 2Z2, Canada Phone: 940-9847 Linda Prosh RR #5 Orangeville Ontario L9W 2Z2, Canada Phone: 940-9847 | |
My name is (full legal name) Trish Cox
I live in (municipality & province) Orangeville, Ontario
and I swear/affirm that the following is true:
Set out the statements of fact in consecutively numbered paragraphs. Where possible, each numbered paragraph should consist of one complete sentence and be limited to a particular statement of fact. If you learned a fact from someone else, you must give that person's name and state that you believe that fact to be true.
I, Trish Cox, of the Town or Orangeville in the County of Dufferin, make oath and say:
1. I am a Child Protection and Family Services Worker with The Children's Aid Society of the County of Dufferin. I am also a Registered Nurse with the College of Nurses of Ontario with a B.Sc.N. I have worked extensively with children in clinical and community settings and at one time coordinated and supervised the School Health Support Services for the Dufferin and Dufferin-Peel Boards of Education. I was involved daily in the assessment of the physical, developmental, emotional and social needs of children. I was required to have a comprehensive knowledge of the role, responsibilities and interventions of Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, Speech Therapists, Dieticians and Nurses as they worked with children in home and school environments.
2. On December 14th, 1999 I met with Mr McQuaid and Ms Prosh. Ken's room was bright and cheerful. The bedding was clean and fresh. The bed was age appropriate. Age appropriate toys were in evidence in the room. The closets contained season appropriate clothing. There was no lock on his door. The other areas of the house which I saw were stark and lacked warmth but were clean and free of safety concerns.
3. Mr McQuaid and Ms Prosh, during this visit described concerns related to Ken: 1. head banging on their bodies. Mrs Prosh showed me a 3 inch fading bruise on her groin where Ken had hit her while she was lying in bed. The parents report that Ken does the same on their legs in sensitive areas and that this has been happening as often as everyday or every other day and that this has been occuring for some time. The parents stated that he does not head bang on anything but themselves. 2. spitting at the parents which they report only started in the past two weeks. The parents expressed interest in the visit about how to deal with these behaviours. The parents are presently using different approaches. Mr McQuaid will deal with them with time outs or telling him to stop. Ms Prosh stated that she screamed the last time Ken banged his head on her groin. She sometimes says "no". Advice was given and acknowledged. During the meeting Ken was very busy. He would pull and hang on the curtains, hit his parents and myself, handle objects off limits to him. Mr McQuaid firmly and gently held Ken once when Ken was involved with the curtains. However, neither parent responded to Ken hitting them. During the visit the parents asked questions about toilet training. This was discussed briefly.
4. The parents reported in this visit that the pre-school had asked Ken to be assessed by the Dufferin Association for Community Living, Pre-School Resource Programme as the pre-school felt that there were developmental delays. Mr McQuaid and Ms Prosh reported that the pre-school found Ken to be aggressive with other children (hitting, spitting and throwing objects at them). The parents were surprised that the pre-school felt that there were developmental delays and spent some time highlighting what Ken could do and related this to their own milestones as children.
5. During this visit I observed that Ken communication was mainly in the form of echolalia, a compulsive repetition of what is spoken by another person. His speech was clear. He responded to simple one step commands. However, during the end of the interview, as consents were being obtained and the word "CAS" was used, Ken would respond each time with the word "evil".
6. On December 16th, 1999 I met with Lee Rivoire, Teacher and Karen Bowers, Supervisor of Hand-in-Hand Pre-School. They stated that Ken has been attending each day since enrollment with the usual length of stay of 8:30 am to 5:30 pm. The staff are concerned as Ken speaks with echolalia, does not interact with the other children, rarely participates in circle time. They report that he does not know how to play with toys except cause and effect toys. The staff have found over the last two weeks that Ken has difficulty with transitions (going to the washroom, cleaning up, going to circle time) and will scream and tantrum when asked to do these things. The staff state that the parents have told them that they use plastic utensils with Ken as he throws things and they are afraid of being stabbed by him. Ken consistently throws objects at the pre-school and the staff are worried about the safety of the other children. Ken hits the children and spits on them and the staff. The staff is concerned as Ken says "bad boy" with his behaviours and the mother has told the staff she calls him that. The staff report that Ken does not have self-help skills ie. toilet trained, uses a sippy cup. They have noticed that he bangs his head, front and back, on the door, wall, chair and will say to himself "not funny" and laugh, or "that's a bad habit". The staff state that at nap time, Ken does not sleep and will suck his thumb, hit his head with his fist and laugh and rock. He has also gotten up and thrown toys around at other children. The supervisor reports that they had no indication from his parents of any problems with Ken at registration and feel he needs 1:1 supervision. The staff state that Ken leaves his parents easily and is happy to see both of them when they return. Ms Rivoire reports one time that another mother with blonde hair was leaving and Ken attempted to go with her. The staff state that the parents are happy to see Ken on pick up and are interested in how he is doing. Mr McQuaid picks up Ken the majority of the time. They report that Ken has a good appetite, is appropriately dressed, clean and tidy. They also noted that regarding his echolalia, with one exception Ken demonstrated the ability to engage, ask a question and indicate a process with communication. Ken was told that "Tara will bring you that toy". When the girl brought him the toy, Ken asked, "Are you Tara?". I verily believe this to be true.
7. On December 17th, 1999 I met with Nina Little, Infant Development Worker with Dufferin Child and Family Services. She noted that Mr McQuaid was more relaxed with her but that both parents were mainly spectators throughout the visit. She did observe that Mr McQuaid engaged Ken a little with some turntaking. The father, however, asked Ken for his Barney figure and when given it, kept it even though Ken wanted it back. Later when Ken was asked for another toy by his father, Ken would not bring it over. During her assessment visit Ken was playing in the curtains. Mr McQuaid dealt with this by holding Ken on his lap while vigorously patting his back, saying to Ms Little that they are now using zero tolerance. The intervention did not calm Ken or reduce his activity. Ms Little was informed by the parents that Ken was spitting, throwing things at the pre-school and the parents stated that Ken wouldn't be able to stay if the behaviour continues. They reported that Ken had been referred to the Dufferin Association for Community Living by the pre-school staff. Ms Little also suggested a referral to a Speech and Language Therapist for the echolalia. Ms Little noted the following about Ken: 1. Ken remembered activities that he was involved in with her from three weeks ago and was capable of representational play (ie. would feed a baby doll with a bottle). He was also capable of focussing for a significant period of time on a variety of play tasks. 2. when Ken looked into a mirror he would say Ken good boy, or Ken evil and laugh. The parents laughed when he said this. 3. when Ken was shown a crocodile whose mouth opened, his father said to Ken: "look it eats little boys; 4. Ken has limited ability to self care ie. dress and feed himself. The parents state they even load his fork with food and Ken will often eat with his fingers; 5. the developmental assessment (Ages and Stages) indicates that Ken has poor gross motor, problem solving and personal and social skills. Ken's fine motor skills were appropriate. Communication could not be accurately assessed with this tool. Ms Little was very concerned with the severity and number of concerns that she observed and the contrast in ability. She stated that Ken would benefit from and assessment by a child psychiatrist.
8. Information from Dr R Murphy, paediatrician and Wil Weiner, therapist was not available at this time. Their input is necessary to clarify and define aspects of the above observations. Ken McQuaid can present, in isolated and/or controlled circumstances to function within acceptable developmental limits. For example, form a question without prompting which initiates a relationship and relates to his external environment. He is also able to remember past processes and use representational play. Ken, however, for the most part is below in many of his developmental milestones and demonstrates severe aggressive hehaviours. He also demonstrates self-soothing and self-stiming behaviours. As well, the parents inconsistencies in parenting and unusual interactions with Ken is concerning to the Society. A parenting capacity assessment is still seen as necessary because of the latter and the fact that no interventions were put in place prior to the involvement of the Society.
9. I make this statement with no improper intent.
Sworn/Affirmed before me at | The town of Orangeville |
Trish Cox
Signature
This form is to be signed in front of a lawyer, justice of the peace, notary public or commissioner for taking affidavits.) | |
(municipality) | |||
In | Ontario | ||
(province, state or country) | |||
on | December 21, 1999 | Gary Brian Putman | |
date | Commissioner for taking affidavits (Type or print below if signature is illegible) | ||
GARY BRIAN PUTMAN, A Commissioner, etc., Province of Ontario, for the Children's Aid Society. Expires September 20th, 2000 |
Applicant(s) | CHILDREN'S AID SOCIETY
(Full legal name)
|
Counsel | DAVID THWAITES
(Full name & telephone number)
|
Respondent(s) | McQUAID / PROSH
(Full legal name)
|
Counsel | EVELYN HUBER
(Full name & telephone number)
|
Parties Present: ApplicantX CounselX RespondentX CounselX COMSOC__
Reason for adjournment to allow for Developmental Assessment of Child
All parties consent to adjourn this matter from Dec 22/99 to January 19, 2000 at 10 AM in courtroom # ___
Status quo to continue
Applicant(s) signature
| Robt T McQuaid
Respondent(s) signature
| |
David Thwaites
Counsel's signature
| Evelyn Huber
Counsel's signature
| |
Parental Support Worker's
Signature
| Children's Lawyer signature
|
Dated at the Town of Orangeville this 22 day of December , 1999 .
Consent Adjournment Requirements: If
all parties agree to an adjournment, this Consent Adjournment Request must
be properly completed and delivered to the court clerk. The parties may
be released once the clerk has approved the adjournment date as available
unless there still remains a matter in dispute which needs to be addressed
by the judge. The onus is on the party requesting the adjournment to
contact all other parties not present and inform them of the next court
appearance date and time.
ADJOURNMENT DATE CONFIRMED WITH COURT CLERK: ____ (clerk's initials)
Handwritten document.
IN THE MATTER OF KENNETH DARRYL McQUAID born OCTOBER 16, 1996
CONSENT
THE PARTIES HERETO CONSENT TO AN ORDER on the following terms and conditions:
Dated this 19th day of January 2000 at the Town of Orangeville.
[illegible]
witness | L Prosh
Linda Prosh | |
[illegible]
witness | Robt T McQuaid
Robert McQuaid | |
[illegible]
witness | Trish Cox
CAS for Dufferin |
The Banner Extra
Vol 3 No 95 Tuesday January 25, 2000
(advertisement)
DUFFERIN Child and Family Services (Incorporated as The Children's Aid Society of the County of Dufferin) Dufferin Child and Family Services is a not-for-profit social service agency which strives to advocate for and provide co-ordinated quality services for children, families and individuals in Dufferin County. Our primary service focus is on children most in need of counselling, support and protection from abuse and neglect, while supporting families in their central role of caring for and nurturing children. WE NEED FOSTER PARENTS IN DUFFERIN COUNTY! Dufferin Child and Family Services regular foster care program is currently seeking 4 homes for school age children and adolescents and 2 homes for infant and pre-school children. If you are interested in learning more about being a foster parent for children of your community, plan on attending an INFORMATION SESSION
There will be a presentation that will help to answer any questions you may have regarding fostering, and to explain the approval process for foster homes in Dufferin County. |
January 29, 2000
The Children's Aid Society of the County of Dufferin
50 Fourth Avenue Unit 13
Orangeville Ontario L9W 4P1
dcafs@headwaters.com
Dear Sirs/Madams:
I wish to become a member of the Children's Aid Society of the County of Dufferin. As I understand from your notice in the Orangeville Banner, persons over age 18 years residing in Dufferin County are eligible on payment of the three dollar annual fee.
Please indicate by return E-mail where I can pay the three dollars.
Robt T McQuaid
Robert T McQuaid
RR 5 Orangeville Ontario L9W 2Z2
phone: 519-942-0565
(Not getting any response to the foregoing email, I visited the office of Children's Aid on February 3, 2000, with the three dollar membership fee. I handed it personally to Irene Beazley. Two letters arrived in our mail on February 7, 2000, one addressed to Robert McQuaid, the other to Linda Prosh, but otherwise identical. Both letters were dated February 1, 2000, but stamped through the Children's Aid postage meter on February 3, 2000. This note is not part of the court file. - RTMQ)
February 1, 2000
Ms Linda Prosh
RR 5
Orangeville, Ontario
L9W 2Z2
Dear Ms Prosh:
RE: REPORT TO CHILD ABUSE REGISTER
This letter is to advise you that your name is being forwarded to the Ministry of Community and Social Services Central Abuse Register. Our investigation supports the initial referral information received in November 1999, alleging that you had put your child at risk of physical harm as defined in section 37.2(B), that your son demonstrated developmental concerns as defined in section 37.2(H) and your son has suffered emotional harm as defined in section 37.2(F) of the Child and Family Services Act, Revised Statutes of Ontario, 1990, Chapter 11 as amended.
The Central Abuse Register is a file for the Province of Ontario and persons who have been found to have abused a child can find their names placed on this list.
When your name has been received by the register you will be notified by letter and have the opportunity to appeal the decision and request that your name be withdrawn.
Thank You.
K James Kim James Intake Worker | Kimberley Evans Kimberley Evans Program Manager of Child Protection Services |
Gary Putman BA MSW Executive Director 50 Fourth Ave Unit 13 Orangeville ON L9W 4P1 Child Protective Service | Tel 519-941-1530 Fax 519-941-1525 www.headwaters.com/dcafs/ dcafs@headwaters.com Developmental Support Service |
February 2, 2000
Concerns with CAS
For the last few weeks there has been an advertisement in the classified section asking if anyone has had problems with the Dufferin County CAS (Children's Aid Society). A number of responses have been received, even though most people are reluctant to step forward.
Those who have stepped forward have some valid concerns and problems with this agency. Over the weekend a number of those people gathered for a meeting near the Orangeville area to voice their concerns.
In most cases the major complaint is the heavy-handedness of this agency and the way it operates by being confrontational in its approach, by not informing parents of their rights in these matters and an abuse of power by removing children from their homes without warrants on the basis of flimsy evidence.
Also of concern are direct lies told the parents by some workers eventually leading the the destruction of the family unit.
According to spokesperson Catharine Cote of the Voices for Children Alliance (VOAC), a group set up to combat this abuse of power, "these types of problems should be sounding alarm bells off as they are not only happening in Dufferin County, but seem to be systemic throughout the province.
"There is nothing new about these cases. These practices have been going on for some time now. My experience with the CAS has been that fly swatters are used where an elephant gun is needed and an elephant gun used where a fly swatter is needed".
In one case discussed over the weekend, the children were removed from school without the parents being notified. The parents found out only when the children did not return home after school and the police were notified of their absence. Then they were told that the children had in fact been removed by the CAS. The major reason for there removal was simply "poor housekeeping practices".
Among the prime targets for the CAS are single parents with children under the age of six.
In targeting single, economically deprived parents, these agencies know that their resources for legal representation are limited and these cases are easily won as there parents soon run out of money.
As a result of parents being encouraged to stay at home and raise their children there is now a shortage of children available for adoption while the numbers of people wanting to adopt have risen.
In effect this gives the government a potential reign of terror over these families.
In one of the cases discussed the children were apprehended and placed for adoption before the parent was even brought to trial and in this case the reason for apprehension was financial deprivation.
What's ironic in this case is the fact that the parent had called the CAS asking for help.
Let's take a look at who benefits from this industry, and it is certainly not the families involved.
- A Concerned Parent
I placed an ad in the Orangeville Banner asking for CAS experiences, and I have spoken to the Concerned Parent author and most of the CAS victims alluded to in the article. Every person responding to my ad was reluctant to leave his name. In most cases the bullying they described by CAS was worse than stated in the article. All of the children who were targets of crown wardship applications were free of physical defects. In two cases from anonymous callers, crown wardship applications were withdrawn when hidden physical defects were found, but later research has discredited these calls. - RTMQ.
This cover letter came in response to a phone inquiry from me to Irene Beazley for a copy of the bylaws. -RTMQ
February 9, 2000
Robert T McQuaid
RR #5 Orangeville ON L9W 2Z2
Dear Mr McQuaid,
I am forwarding a copy of our by-laws as promised.
I recently spoke with you when you paid the $3.00 CAS membership fee. We are presently in the process of renewing memberships and I will be contacting the Secretary-Treasurer of our Board of Directors to sign membership cards for the 200-01 year. Once this has been done a membership card will be sent to you.
Thank you for your interest in our agency.
Yours sincerely,
Irene Beazley
Irene Beazley, Senior Administrative Assistant
/ib
Encl
Gary Putman BA MSW Executive Director 50 Fourth Ave Unit 13 Orangeville ON L9W 4P1 Child Protective Service | Tel 519-941-1530 Fax 519-941-1525 www.headwaters.com/dcafs/ dcafs@headwaters.com Developmental Support Service |
Ministry of Community and Social Services Office of the Minister Hepburn Block Queens Park Toronto ON M7A 1E9 (416)325-5226 |
Ministère des Services sociaux et communautaires Bureau du Ministre Édifice Hepburn Queens Park Toronto ON M7A 1E9 (416)325-5226 |
February 9, 2000
Mr Robert T McQuaid
RR 5 Orangeville, Ontario L9W 2Z2
Dear Mr McQuaid:
David Tilson, the Member of Provincial Parliament for Dufferin-Peel-Wellington-Grey, has forwarded me a copy of your letter concerning the Children's Aid Society. I apologize for the unacceptable delay in my response.
I appreciate the time you have taken to write about this matter and your comments have been noted. Please understand that as the issue you raise is currently before the courts, it would be inappropriate for me to comment on this matter.
Thank you for writing.
Sincerely,
illegible
John Baird, MPP
Minister
cc:
Vince Tedesco, Director, Central West Region
David Tilson, MPP Dufferin-Peel-Wellington-Grey
Children's Aid kept this letter secret until May 31, 2000 when Trish Cox handed a copy to Linda Prosh as a fait accompli. It is the centerpiece of the next steps in litigation.
Children's Hospital |
PO Box 2000 Hamilton, Ontario L8N 3Z5 | (905) 521-2100 |
FAX: (905) 522-7982 DEPARTMENT OF PEDIATRICS HSC-3G39, 521-2100, EXT 73268/73687 CHILD ADVOCACY & ASSESSMENT PROGRAM @ HAMILTON HEALTH SCIENCES CENTRE (MCMASTER SITE) |
February 10, 2000
Ms Trish Cox
Dufferin Child & Family Services
13-50 Forest Avenue
Orangeville ON L9W 4P1
Dear Ms. Cox:
RE: McQuaid-Prosh Family CAAP Assessment
Thank you for your referral of the above-named family to the Child Advocacy & Assessment Program. The referral has been accepted and the following appointments have been scheduled. Please advise the family of the following appointments:
Robert McQuaid, Linda Prosh and Kenneth McQuaid
Wednesday, June 28 @ 11:00 am
Friday, July 7 @ 10:45 am
Friday July 14 @ 9:30 am
Friday, July 21 @ 10:45 am (Observation Session with Kenneth)
Friday, August 11 @ 10:45 am (Feedback Session for Robert &
Linda)
Trish Cox and Nina Little
Wednesday, July 12 @ 10:00 am
All appointments are in the 3F clinic (third floor, colour red) at Chedoke-McMaster Hospitals, 1200 Main Street West, Hamilton. Upon your arrival, the receptionist should be advised that you have an appointment with CAAP.
Sincerely,
Linda Harris
Program Assistant
Child Advocacy & Assessment Program
/ljh
HAMILTON
HEALTH SCIENCES C o r p o r a t i o n | Children's Hospital at Hamilton Health Sciences Corporation is affiliated with the Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University |
February 16, 2000
Children's Aid responds to Feb 2 letter
We are responding to the letter published in your February 2nd edition by "A Concerned Parent". Child protection is a difficult undertaking, filled with much emotion by all parties involved. As child protection workers we represent children who are most often left without a voice to express their experiences and who are unable to take actions to protect themselves from neglect and abuse.
Our staff work with a large number of families every year. The majority of our work does not involved bringing children into our care. In fact, there are many families who work with the Society on a voluntary basis. The nature of our work, however, can result in our involvement with parents in an involuntary and intrusive manner.
As a result, we are not surprised, and in fact might expect, that some parents would be less than pleased with our interventions on behalf of their children. The article published in the February edition tries to set out some concerns about our agency which are not unfamiliar to us, as most have already been heard and attempts at resolution have been made.
However, since the complaints have now been raised in a public forum, we feel an obligation to respond in order to accurately inform our community.
Children's Aid Societies are subject to many checks and balances on our legislated powers to intervene into peoples lives. Children's Aid Societies are able to investigate allegations and even to remove children from their parents, with or without a warrant, when there are reasonable grounds to believe they are at risk of neglect or abuse or immediate harm.
Where children are involuntarily removed or "apprehended", Societies must seek a court order within five days to maintain those children in its care and as such are subject to judicial review of all their actions.
One example given in the recent article stated that children had been apprehended because of "poor housekeeping practices". Children are not apprehended because of a lower than average standard of housekeeping, which the author of the article would lead readers to believe. Children are apprehended because of feces on the floor, spoiled food on the counters, mattresses with urine that children are made to sleep in over and over.
Essentially, the standard of living needs to be such that a child's medical health is at risk before they would be apprehended. In fact, in one very long term situation of this nature, the Society spent thousands of dollars to provide housekeeping and support services to try and maintain a group of siblings with their parents rather than remove them.
Another case cited in the article states that children were put up for adoption before a trial occurred. Children cannot be adopted before they have been made a crown ward by the courts or with the parents written consents. To suggest that child protection workers target certain sectors of our community or remove children solely to place them for adoption is grossly inaccurate and certainly could not be supported by the records of the family court in this jurisdiction.
The Society works with a wide variety of people. These are single parent families and there are two parent families, there are low income and very high income families. The Society does not choose who it will become involved with. Neighbours, professionals, children and spouses make reports to us and the Society is responsible to act upon those reports.
We do that with highly educated social work staff supported by senior supervisory staff with many years experience. When the Society initiates court action, Ontario Legal Aid guarantees representation for low income parents in child welfare hearings. it is always our goal in court actions to minimize court time and cost by trying to reach agreement between all parties while not jeopardizing the safety of the children involved. The legitimate access by parents to proper legal representation in child welfare hearings is closely guarded by the family courts and supported by our staff.
In addition to judicial reviews, Children's Aid Societies are legally subject to the supervision of the Ministry of Community and Social Services through three annual case audits, annual foster care licensing reviews and supervision by Ministry staff.
Societies are also required by law to have local mechanisms to allow parents or children to voice their concerns and to reach a resolution of the concerns through a progressive process involving agency staff, the voluntary community Board and finally the Ministry of Community and Social Services.
Any client of Dufferin Child and Family Services is made aware of this during service or upon request either verbally or through a pamphlet which clearly outlines the process. Naturally, as a public agency it is not uncommon for us to also be publically accountable to our community through media reports such as this. Despite these many avenues of accountability, some individuals will always be unsatisfied.
There are many families involved with the Society who are simply going through some challenges in their lives and require some assistance. There are also families who are harmful to their children, and whose children require protection.
We fundamentally believe that children should be raised by their own families. However, if a child is being harmed physically, sexually, emotionally or otherwise neglected their needs and rights will be paramount in our actions.
We recognize that some individuals will always be critical. Despite that, we believe they have a right to express legitimate concerns and complaints and we will continue to go the extra mile to attempt a resolution.
Those individuals who recently met to share their concerns about our agency are most welcome to again address them directly to me, jointly with the President of our Board of Directors. You may call me at 941-1530 Ext 224, to arrange a convenient meeting time and/or you may wish to provide your views in writing for our review.
Gary Putman
Executive Director
Since Linda would consent only to internet publicity, not print journalism, I was unable to send the following response, even after a day of discussion. - RTMQ
On February 2, 2000 you published a letter relating to Children's Aid signed by "A Concerned Parent", followed on February 16 by a rebuttal from Gary Putman, Executive Director of Dufferin Children's Aid.
I am one of the people attacked by Mr Putman's organization. On November 16, 1999 an action was initiated against us by taking our child with the aid of a warrant and two OPP officers. We then had to plead for conditions to have our child returned, events meeting the dictionary definition of kidnaping. I was astonished to find that such a legal procedure existed.
In the intervening three months I have undertaken a crash education in this area. The law is titled "The Child and Family Services Act" (1984), enacted at a time of hysteria about child-molesters. In thousands of words, there are no provisions protective of parents. The law allows Children's Aid Societies to take children from their parents and place them in foster homes under the doctrine of "the best interests of the child". With this doctrine, some Canadian Indian bands suffered half of their children adopted out to white families. Indian objections to slow genocide led to protections from the law, but only for Indians. In 1999 amendments, every revision makes it easier for Children's Aid to remove children from their natural parents.
There is a pervasive fear among all persons having contact with Children's Aid, extending even to those not yet involved but subject to denunciation. I have personally spoken to most of the people mentioned by A Concerned Parent. It was difficult to get any of them to give a name or phone number, out of fear of retaliation by Children's Aid.
As Mr Putman states, some clients come to Children's Aid voluntarily, but all I have spoken to regret their decision to do so.
As for "poor housekeeping practices", Mr Putman says removal only occurs for such abuses as feces on the floor (did you ever drop something during a diaper change?), spoiled food on the counters (ever have spoilage in your kitchen?) or mattresses with urine. He neglects to mention that Children's Aid routinely makes these allegations regardless of the facts.
I have the names of a mother and the adoptive family that took her children before her trial. Only paper formalities remained for the aftermath. The law grants Children's Aid a club called crown wardship, ending parental rights so they can never see their own children again. By law, the same agency that takes children from their natural parents supplies them to adoptive parents. The law provides for crown wardship when "there is a substantial risk that the child will suffer physical harm, inflicted by the person having charge of the child or caused by that person's failure to care and provide for or to supervise and protect the child adequately". This provision could strip children from Mother Teresa.
The legal aid touted by Mr Putman is no doubt available, but is useless in the face of laws that give all power to Children's Aid. Children's Aid workers have immunity from all legal actions. As for appeal through the agency itself or the ministry, the minister will ignore any case before the courts.
Mr Putman continues " ... could not be supported by the records of the family court in this jurisdiction". This is true because the court records are secret. I was turned down in a request to see the files, and I could not even count Children's Aid cases. I challenge Mr Putman to open his records to research so a scientist can count children protected from abuse as well as false allegations of abuse.
Ministry of Community and Social Services |
Ministère des |
Child Abuse Register postmarked April 11, 2000 |
Robert McQuaid
Linda Prosh (one copy mailed to each)
RR 5
Orangeville ON L9W 2Z2
Dear Mr McQuaid:
This letter is to inform you that you were reported to the Family and Children's Services County of Dufferin as allegedly having abused Kenneth McQuaid. Following their investigation, the Society is now satisfied that the information is verified and reportable abuse occurred. The Society is required by law, Child and Family Services Act (CFSA) Section 75(3), to send a report on this matter to the Child Abuse Register, held in Toronto by the Ministry of Community and Social Services.
The Child Abuse Register is maintained by the Ministry of Community and Social Services pursuant to Section 75(5) of the CFSA. The Register is used as a tool in the overall effort to protect children and in the prevention of child abuse. More specifically, information maintained on it provides a general register check for child abuse investigations conducted by Children's Aid Societies. Statistical data is also drawn from information on the Register.
If any further report of abuse by you is received by and Children's Aid Society, the fact that you are on the Register may be made known to that Society.
The law states that you or your representative may examine the Register. You may request that your name be removed or that the Register be otherwise amended.
As a result of this request, the Director may at that stage decide to remove your name from the Register. Before he can refuse your request, you are entitled to a hearing by the Director or his designate.
For further details, see the attached excerpt from the CFSA, 1984.
If you have any questions about the collection of this information or if you wish to examine your information or seek an expunction, call or write to Sandra MacAulay at the above phone number or address.
Yours truly,
M R Seymour
MR Seymour
Director
Encl,
cc:
Children's Aid Society
Orangeville Ontario
File No: 2000-00154
(CFSA sections 75-76 were enclosed)
THE CHILD ABUSE REGISTER
The Child and Family Services Act requires that the local Children's Aid Society (CAS) investigate all reports of suspected child abuse. After its investigation, the staff of the CAS then decide whether the information verifies that there was an incident of abuse. The CAS also decides what action to take to protect the abused child. If the CAS decides, on the basis of their review, that abuse has occurred, a report must then be sent to the Child Abuse Register at the head office of the Ministry of Community and Social Services.
The purpose of the Register is to enable Children's Aid Societies to find out quickly whether a child or an alleged abuser has been involved in any previous case. This information will help them in deciding what the proper protection for the child should be. The Register serves to record the name of the abused child, the name of the alleged abuser and a few details such as the date of the incident, the child's age and the name of the CAS that made the report. All the information in the Register is carefully protected under the law and remains highly confidential.
If however, a child is repeatedly abused, or an adult continues to abuse children, the Children's Aid Society has access to this information which may help them arrive at better decisions for helping the abuser and protecting the child.
Director for the Child Abuse Register
[Before our organizing, Children's Aid had 32 members. I sent each of them this letter, getting two proxies in return. The letter may have come to the judge's attention indirectly. -RTMQ]
Help Fix Children's Aid!
The Dufferin Children's Aid Society has switched from protecting children to attacking families. Specific policies are permanent removal of children from intact families, long-term removal of children for trifling abuses, failure to provide in-family assistance for families with serious problems, undermining parental authority in families with teen-aged children, and avoidance of serious child-abuse cases by turning against the accusers.
The best interest of the child is in keeping his parents. Children's Aid should apply its resources to protect children by assisting and preserving families, not attacking them.
Specific policies we advocate are:
We are asking for your proxy to cast your vote at the annual general meeting of Children's Aid. These proxies will be used to vote for two directors
The terms of the directors end in June of 2003. Neither of these candidates has previously served as an officer or director of Children's Aid, and neither has any financial obligation to Childrens's Aid, nor anticipates any financial loss or gain as a result of this election. Directors serve without compensation. You are free to revoke this proxy later by signing another one, or by attending the meeting in person.
If you want to help fix Children's Aid, please date and sign the enclosed proxy form, and return it in the envelope provided. Feel free to call with any questions.
June 5, 2000
Robt T McQuaid
Robert T McQuaid RR 5 Orangeville Ontario L9W 2Z2
phone: 519-942-0565
Disgruntled residents unsuccessful in bid to join DCFS board
THE BANNER, Orangeville, FRIDAY, June 23, 2000
Robert McQuaid and Lillian Brewer want to see some changes at local agency
by ELIZABETH JACKMAN
For the Banner
A bit of controversy surrounded this year's annual general meeting of Dufferin Child and Family Services held Tuesday evening at the Monora Park Pavilion.
Two local people decided to run against the four incumbents on the 12-member board of directors.
According to Gary Putman, Executive Director, every year four vacancies come up on the board.
Candidates are usually chosen by a nominating committee however, the bylaw does allow for any two members of the society to nominate two people.
This year, the new members, Robert McQuaid and Lillian Brewer, who have become disgruntled with the Child and Family Services, decided to take advantage of the bylaw and run.
"In my 22 years experience, it has always been the nominating committee choosing four candidates. This year there were six individuals running for four spots", said Putman.
Although McQuaid and Brewer were unsuccessful in their bid to gain a seat on the board, McQuaid says he is not going to give up his attempts to try to bring about reforms to the service.
"Children's Aid has become a group that is distinctly anti-family. Quite a few families have been relentlessly attacked by Children's Aid, and even when they find out no child abuse has occurred, (they) continue the attack", said McQuaid.
McQuaid is a Mono resident who has had personal dealings with the DCFS.
The other candidate, Lillian Brewer, says she ran for the position because she wanted to see if she could help families stay together, which doesn't seem to be what is happening now.
"They are pulling children out of the home instead of finding ways to keep them there", said Brewer. "No one I have talked to that have had anything to do with Child and Family Services hasn't had a problem, but they won't speak up because they are afraid of them. You are just one phone call away from losing your children because you are automatically guilty until proven innocent".
"I would like to see them focus more on the family unit", said Brewer. "People have asked for help and then they turned it against them and took their young kids. It should be a place for children to be safe and taken care of".
Brewer, who like McQuaid has had personal dealings with the agency, said she ran to make a point, that she doesn't believe in what they are doing.
Putman would not comment on either case, other than to say, "the issues raised by the two candidates were individual issues to their particular situation and they do not reflect the philosophy of this organization or the Child and Family Services Act. We do have clients on our board, our membership simply chose not to elect these two individuals".
Both McQuaid and Brewer said that when Child and Family Services realized what was going on they signed on about 40 new members, including many policemen to prevent them from being elected.
McQuaid says he feels something has to be done, or the problems will continue on a larger scale. "They have to realize, that breaking up a family is not going to accomplish anything", said McQuaid.
Ontario Court of Justice
(Name of Court)
|
Court file number 180/99 Form 8B: Application □ child protection ■ status review | ||
at |
10 Louisa Street, Orangeville ON L9W 3P9
Court office address
|
Applicant(s) | |
Full legal name & address for service - street & number, municipality, postal code, telephone & fax numbers and e-mail address (if any). | Lawyer's name & address - street & number, municipality, postal code, telephone & fax numbers and e-mail address (if any). |
The Children's Aid Society of the County of Dufferin 50 Fourth Avenue, Unit 13 Orangeville Ontario L9W 4P1 Canada Phone: 519-941-1530 Fax: 519-941-1525 email: dcafs@hurontario.net | Wardlaw, Mullin, Carter, Thwaites and Ward Attention: David Thwaites 235 Broadway Orangeville, Ontario L9W 2Z5 Canada Phone: 519-941-1700 Fax: 519-941-3688 eMail: dthwaites@wardlaw.on.ca |
Respondent(s) | |
Full legal name & address for service- street & number, municipality, postal code, telephone & fax numbers and e-mail address (if any). | Lawyer's name & address - street & number, municipality, postal code, telephone & fax numbers and e-mail address (if any). |
Robert McQuaid
RR #5 Orangeville, Ontario L9W 2Z2, Canada Phone: 940-9847 Linda Prosh RR #5 Orangeville Ontario L9W 2Z2, Canada Phone: 940-9847 | |
TO THE RESPONDENTS:
A COURT CASE HAS BEEN STARTED AGAINST YOU IN THIS COURT. THE DETAILS
ARE SET OUT ON THE ATTACHED PAGES.
THE FIRST COURT DATE IS (date) July 5,
2000 AT 11:00 a.m. or as soon as possible after that time
at: address
10 Louisa Street, Orangeville, Ontario, L9W 3P9.
If you have also been served with a notice of motion, there may be an earlier court date and you or your lawyer should come to court for the motion.
IF YOU WANT TO OPPOSE ANY CLAIM IN THIS CASE, you or your lawyer must prepare an answer (Form 10 - a blank copy should be attached), serve a copy on the applicant children's aid society and all other parties and file a copy in the court office with an affidavit of service (Form 6B). YOU HAVE ONLY 30 DAYS AFTER THIS APPLICATION IS SERVED ON YOU (60 DAYS IF THIS APPLICATION IS SERVED ON YOU OUTSIDE CANADA OR THE UNITED STATES) TO SERVE AND FILE AN ANSWER. IF YOU DO NOT, THE CASE WILL GO AHEAD WITHOUT YOU AND THE COURT MAY MAKE AN ORDER AND ENFORCE IT AGAINST YOU.
Check the box if the paragraph applies. | □ | The applicant children's aid society is also making a claim for child support. You MUST fill out a financial statement (Form 13 - a blank copy attached), serve a copy on the society and file a copy in the court office with an affidavit of service even if you do not answer this case. |
WARNING: This case is subject to case management, which means that the case runs on a timetable. That timetable says that the following steps have to be finished by the following number of days from the start of this case:
Temporary care & custody hearing | 25 days |
Plan of care to be served and filed | 33 days |
Case conference | 40 days |
Settlement conference | 80 days |
Protection hearing or status review | 120 days |
You should consider getting legal advice about this case right away. If you cannot afford a lawyer, you may be able to get help from your local Legal Aid office. (See your telephone directory under LEGAL AID).
June 21, 2000
Date of Issue
| C Wale
Clerk of the court
|
CLAIM BY APPLICANT SOCIETY
□ the child(ren) has/have suffered physical harm, inflicted by the person having charge of the child(ren) or caused by that person's failure to care and provide for or to supervise and protect the child(ren) adequately [clause 37(2)(a)].
□ there is a substantial risk that the child(ren) will suffer physical harm, inflicted by the person having charge of the child(ren) or caused by that person's failure to care and provide for or to supervise and protect the child(ren) adequately [clause 37(2)(b)].
□ the child(ren) has/have been sexually molested or sexually exploited, by the person having charge of the child(ren) or by another person where the person having charge knows or should know of the possibility of sexual molestation or sexual exploitation and fails to protect the child(ren) [clause 37(2)(c)].
□ there is a substantial risk that the child(ren) will be sexually molested or sexually exploited, by the person having charge of the child(ren) or by another person where the person having charge knows or should know of the possibility of sexual molestation or sexual exploitation and fails to protect the child(ren) [clause 37(2)(d)].
□ the child(ren) require(s) medical treatment to cure, prevent or alleviate physical harm or suffering and the child(ren)'s parent or the person having charge of the child(ren) does not provide, or refuses or is unavailable or unable to consent to, the treatment [clause 37(2)(e)].
■ the child(ren) Ken McQuaid has/have suffered emotional harm that is demonstrated by severe anxiety, depression, withdrawal or self-destructive or aggressive behaviour, and the child's parent or the person having charge of the child(ren) does not provide, or refuses or is unavailable or unable to consent to, services or treatment to remedy or alleviate the harm [clause 37(2)(f)].
■ there is a substantial risk that the child(ren) Ken McQuaid will suffer emotional harm that is demonstrated by severe anxiety, depression, withdrawal or self-destructive or aggressive behaviour, and the child(ren)'s parent or the person having charge of the child(ren) does not provide, or refuses tor is unavailable or unable to consent to, services or treatment to prevent the harm [clause 37(2)(g)].
■ the child(ren) suffer(s) from a mental, emotional or developmental condition that, if not remedied, could seriously impair the child(ren)'s development and the child(ren)'s parent or the parent having charge of the child(ren) does not provide, or refuses or is unavailable or unable to consent to, treatment to remedy or alleviate the condition [clause 37(2)(h)].
□ the child(ren) has/have been abandoned [clause 37(2)(i)].
□ the child(ren)'s parent has died or is unavailable to exercise his or her custodial rights over the child(ren) and has not made adequate provision for the child(ren)'s care and custody [clause 37(2)(i)].
□ the child(ren) is/are in a residential placement and the child(ren)'s parent refuses or is unable or unwilling to resume the care and custody of the child(ren) [clause 37(2)(i)].
□ the child(ren) is/are less than twelve years old and has/have killed or seriously injured another person or caused serious damage to another person's property; services or treatment are necessary to prevent a recurrence; and the child(ren)'s parent or the person having charge of the child(ren) does not provide, or refuses or is unavailable or unable to consent to, those services or treatment [clause 32(2)(j)].
□ the child(ren) is/are less than twelve years old and has/have, on more than one occasion, injured another person or caused loss or damage to another person's property, with the encouragement of the person having charge of the child(ren) or because of that person's failure or inability to supervise the child(ren) adequately [clause 37(2)(k)].
□ the child(ren)'s parent is unable to care for the child(ren) and the child(ren) is/are brought before the court with the person's consent and, where the child(ren) is/are twelve years of age or older, with the child(ren)'s consent, to be dealt with under Part II of the Child and Family Services Act [clause 37(2)(l)].
■ that the child(ren) Ken
McQuaid be placed with (name of
custodian)
Robert McQuaid and Linda Prosh, parents
subject to the supervision of (full legal
name of supervising society)
The Children's Aid Society of the County of Dufferin
for a period of 6 months, on the terms and conditions set out
in the Appendix at the end of this Application form.
□ that the child(ren) be made
(a) ward(s) of (full legal name of
supervising society)
for a period of __ months.
□ that the child(ren) be made
(a) ward(s) of (full legal name of
supervising society)
for a period of __ months and the returned to (name of custodian)
subject to the supervision of (full legal
name of supervising society)
for a period of __ months, on the terms and conditions set
out in the Appendix at the end of this Application form.
□ that the child(ren) be made
(a) ward(s) of the Crown and placed in the care of (full legal name of caretaker society)
□ that (name
of homemaker)
be authorized to remain on the premises at
(address of premises where homemaker is placed)
until (date)
or until the person who is entitled to custody of the
child(ren) returns to care for the child(ren), whichever is
sooner.
□ relating to access, the
details of which are as follows: (specify
details of order to be sought, including any claim for a
restraining order under section 80 of the Child and Family
Services Act.)
□ relating to payment of support while the child(ren) is/are in care, the details of which are as follows:
□ court costs.
□ (Other, specify.)
1. Although Ken McQuaid has made improvements in language and social development, there are still significant areas of concern.
2. Dr Bakht, child and adolescent psychiatrist, has provided a diagnosis of parental neglect with social and language developmental delay secondary to parental neglect.
3. Ms Prosh and Mr McQuaid, though compliant with recommendations, have demonstrated behaviours which indicate difficulties in emotionally extending themselves to their son.
Debbie Taylor
Signature
| June 21, 2000
Date of signature
| |
Debbie Taylor Print or type name
| Senior Program Managera
Child Protection Services Office or position held in
children's aid society
|
APPENDIX
The terms and conditions that the applicant society purposes for the child's supervision are as follows: (Set out terms and conditions in numbered paragraphs.)
-End of Document-
Attached:
Table of Contents
Attached:
Table of Contents Volume 2
Attached:
Affidavit of Trish Cox
Ontario Court of Justice |
Court file number
180/99
Cumulative Table of Contents (continuing record) Volume | |
at | 10 LOUISA ST. ORANGEVILLE
Court office address
|
Applicant(s) | ||
Full legal name & address for service - street &
number, municipality, postal code, telephone & fax
numbers and e-mail address (if any).
The Children's Aid Society of
County of Dufferin 50 Fourth Ave #13 Orangeville Ont L9W 4P1 Tel 941-1530 Fax 941-1525 |
Lawyer's name & address - street & number,
municipality, postal code, telephone & fax numbers and
e-mail address (if any).
Wardlaw, Mullin, Carter, Thwaites
235 Broadway Orangeville L9W 2Z5 Ph 519-941-1760 Fax 519-941-3688 Attn: David Thwaites | |
Respondent(s) | ||
Full legal name & address for service- street &
number, municipality, postal code, telephone & fax and
e-mail address (if any).
Robert McQuaid and Linda Prosh
RR #5, Orangeville Ontario L9W 2Z2 519-940-9847 |
Lawyer's name & address - street & number,
municipality, postal code, telephone & fax numbers and
e-mail address (if any).
|
Document (For an affidavit or transcript of evidence, include the name of the person who give the affidavit or the evidence.) | Filed by (A = applicant or R = respondent) | Date of Document (d, m, y) | Date of Filing (d, m, y) | Tab/Page (..../.....to.....) |
FORM 80 - APPLICATION | A | 19/11/99 | 19/11/99 | 1-5 |
FORM 14 NOTICE OF MOTION | A | 19/11/99 | 19/11/99 | 6-7 |
FORM 14A AFFIDAVIT (GENERAL) | A | 19/11/99 | 19/11/99 | 8-46 |
EXHIBIT 'E' TO AFFIDAVIT | A | 19/11/99 | 25/11/99 | 47-48 |
AFFIDAVIT OF SERVICE | A | 19/11/99 | 25/11/99 | 49-52 |
CONSENT | A | 22/11/99 | 22/11/99 | 53 |
AFFIDAVIT GENERAL | A | 29/11/99 | 30/11/99 | 54-84 |
AFFIDAVIT OF SERVICE | A | 30/11/99 | 30/11/99 | 85-86 |
Affidavit of Service | R | 30/11/99 | 30/11/99 | 87-99 |
ANSWER | R | 30/11/99 | 30/11/99 | 91-94 |
Affidavit General | R | 30/11/99 | 30/11/99 | 95-99 |
AFFIDAVIT | A | 02/12/99 | 02/12/99 | 100-104 |
AFFIDAVIT | A | 21/11/99 | 23/12/99 | 105-109 |
Ontario Court of Justice |
Court file number
180/99 Cumulative Table of Contents (continuing record) Volume 2 | |
at | 10 LOUISA ST. ORANGEVILLE
Court office address
|
Applicant(s) | ||
Full legal name & address for service - street &
number, municipality, postal code, telephone & fax
numbers and e-mail address (if any).
The Children's Aid Society
of the County of Dufferin 50 Fourth Avenue, Unit 13 Orangeville ON L9W 4P1 Tel: 519-941-1530 Fax: 519-941-1525 Email: dcafs@hurontario.net |
Lawyer's name & address - street & number,
municipality, postal code, telephone & fax numbers and
e-mail address (if any).
David Thwaites, Solicitor
Wardlaw, Mullin, Carter, and Thwaites 235 Broadway Orangeville ON L9W 2Z5 Tel: 519-941-1760 Fax: 519-941-3668 Email: dthwaites@wardlaw.on.ca | |
Respondent(s) | ||
Full legal name & address for service- street &
number, municipality, postal code, telephone & fax and
e-mail address (if any).
Robert T. McQuaid
RR 5, Orangeville ON L9W 2Z2 Linda Prosh RR 5, Orangeville ON L9W 2Z2 |
Lawyer's name & address - street & number,
municipality, postal code, telephone & fax numbers and
e-mail address (if any).
Evelyn Huber
267 Broadway Orangeville, ON L9W 2Z2 |
Document (For an affidavit or transcript of evidence, include the name of the person who give the affidavit or the evidence.) | Filed by (A = applicant or R = respondent) | Date of Document (d, m, y) | Date of Filing (d, m, y) | Tab/Page (..../.....to.....) |
STATUS REVIEW APPLICATION | A | JUNE 21/00 | 110-114 | |
GENERAL AFFIDAVIT OF PATRICIA L COX | A | JUNE 21/00 | 115-127 | |
NOTICE OF MOTION | A | JUNE 21/00 | 128-143 | |
SUMMARY OF COURT CASES | A | JUNE 21/00 | 144-145 | |
Ontario Court of Justice (Name of Court)
|
Court file number 180/99
Form 14A: Affidavit (General) dated June 19, 2000 | |
at |
10 Louisa Street, Orangeville Ontario L9W 3P9
Court office address
|
Applicant(s) | |
Full legal name & address for service - street & number, municipality, postal code, telephone & fax numbers and e-mail address (if any). | Lawyer's name & address - street & number, municipality, postal code, telephone & fax numbers and e-mail address (if any). |
The Children's Aid Society of the County of Dufferin 50 Fourth Avenue, Unit 13 Orangeville Ontario L9W 4P1 Canada Phone: 519-941-1530 Fax: 519-941-1525 email: dcafs@hurontario.net | Wardlaw, Mullin, Carter, Thwaites and Ward Attention: David Thwaites 235 Broadway Orangeville, Ontario L9W 2Z5 Canada Phone: 519-941-1760 Fax: 519-941-3688 eMail: dthwaites@wardlaw.on.ca |
Respondent(s) | |
Full legal name & address for service- street & number, municipality, postal code, telephone & fax numbers and e-mail address (if any). | Lawyer's name & address - street & number, municipality, postal code, telephone & fax numbers and e-mail address (if any). |
Robert McQuaid
RR #5 Orangeville, Ontario L9W 2Z2, Canada Phone: 940-9847 | Evelyn Huber
267 Broadway Orangeville, Ontario L9W 1K8, Canada Phone: 940-4500 |
Linda Prosh RR #5 Orangeville Ontario L9W 2Z2, Canada Phone: 940-9847 | |
My name is (full legal name) Patricia Louise Cox
I work in (municipality & province) Orangeville, Ontario
and I swear/affirm that the following is true:
Set out the statements of fact in consecutively numbered paragraphs. Where possible, each numbered paragraph should consist of one complete sentence and be limited to a particular statement of fact. If you learned a fact from someone else, you must give that person's name and state that you believe that fact to be true.
1. I have now been involved with this family for a period of 7 months. During this time, I have obtained the following information about Mr McQuaid, Ms Prosh and their son, Ken McQuaid:
i) On January 6, 2000 I spoke to Wil Weiner, behaviour therapist, who reported that the parents were very interested in being parents and were slowly learning what it takes to be a parent. He stated they did not have a lot of support around how to deal with parenting concerns. Mr Weiner stated that the mother had more difficulty with younger children and believed that both parents would do better when Ken is older. He described Ken as an internal child and that this was the result of not a lot of parent/child interaction. Mr Weiner stated that the parents needed a lot of teaching and support related to parenting advice around emotional, social and play development. On January 14, 2000, at a case conference regarding Ken, Mr Weiner stated that Ken had difficulty with emotional regulation. Mr Weiner described Ken as able to engage in play and wanting to involve his parents. He stated that Ken was a strong child and could do significant damage and be difficult to control. On April 27, 2000 Mr Weiner reported that the parents were progressing; more attentive and involved and more aware of Ken's needs. Mr Weiner stated that the mother's attentiveness was a working issue and that the parents needed to be "pushed to do rather than talk". He stated that Ken's play was more abstract, speech clearer and talking more. Mr Weiner's goals were to focus on parenting and behaviour concerns, toilet training and how to handle disagreements. On May 5, 2000, Mr Weiner provided a verbal report for a case conference. He stated that he sees the parents and Ken every two weeks and had seen a positive change with Ken's language ie chatty, singing, saying yes now, acknowledging himself and another. Mr Weiner states he had been encouraging pretend play by the parents with Ken and now there was elaborate and interactional pretend play. He noticed that the parents are enjoying being parents. They are taking Ken to the park, playland at MacDonald's, reading. Mr Weiner planned to stay involved for the next 6 months until the parents and Ken accomplished toiletting and later, the transition from day care to school. Mr Weiner's intervention has varied from weekly to biweekly involvement with the family. I verily believe this to be true.
ii) On January 7, 2000 I spoke with Karen Bowers, Supervisor of Hand-in-Hand Day Care who stated that Ken had been removed by them from the day care until further notice as a result of his severe behavioural problems and the effect on the other children and staff. Ms Bowers expressed concern about remarks and comments by Ken's mother about Ken. Ms Bowers reported that the mother had said to Ken "you pest", "bad boy", and "look at you Ken, Why can't you be like the other children. You were such a nice baby - What happened to you?". Ms Bowers stated that she has only seen this kind of behaviour in children who have suffered mental abuse. I verily believe this to be true.
iii) Ken presently attends the Women's Resource Centre three times a week and has been since February 1, 2000. Jill Cutter, a worker at the centre, states that when he first appeared there were difficult days. However, his behaviour and speech have improved as he interacts more with other children. However, Ms Cutter reported concern with Ms Prosh in a number of areas: limited interest in Ken's accomplishments at the centre ie when Ms Prosh comes to get Ken she doesn't go with him to see his craft. She asks if he has a craft and then leaves. Ms Cutter also reported an incident where she notice that Ken smelled of perfume and also as if he had had a bowel movement. The staff asked Ms Prosh about this and Ms Prosh stated that she wondered if Ken had soiled himself earlier and so had put perfume on him. Note: it is the expectation of the centre that mother's with children over the age of 2 change their children's diapers. Another worker Ms Mary Lynn Richardson reported that at one point Ken had a Band-Aid on that was loose and noticed underneath a substantial cut. She stated that it looked like a slice or piece of skin was missing. Ms Richardson changed the Band-Aid and then ten minutes later, Ms Prosh came into the room and was informed of the Band-Aid change. Ms Prosh said there wasn't a cut and that he just wanted a bandaid. Ms Richardson stated that Ms Prosh just disregarded the whole thing, leaving the staff to be confused. Ms Richardson also reported that at times when Ms Prosh enters the room Ken tantrums. She reports that she has observed Ms Prosh yelling at Ken and that Ms Prosh needs to learn to redirect and be positive with him. Ms Richardson also states that one day Ken was sick with green discharge from his nose and he was coughing. Ms Prosh responded to the centre's concern and the centre's request to leave by asking Ken if he wanted to go. Ms Richardson stated that it took twenty minutes before Ken and Ms Prosh left and that it was a struggle for the staff to get her to go home. Ms Richardson also noted that Ms Prosh wanted Ken to colour Ms Prosh's pictures when Ken wanted to do otherwise. Ms Richardson stated she feels that Ken's delays are the result of lack of socialization. Ms Richardson, on April 19, 2000, reported that they still saw some echolalia. Ken would do some crafts but did not interact with other children. Ken moved around the room and played with toys. She reported that the longer he's in the setting and with a increasing number of children, the more frustration there is in Ken. The centre staff have suggested that Ms Prosh help on Wednesdays and stay in the room to obtain parenting ideas from the teachers. I verily believe this to be true.
iv) On May 23, 2000 I spoke with Debbie Launspach, Supervisor with Sand Box Tech, a nursery school that Ken has attended for the last three months. Ms Launspach stated that she has had some concerns regarding Ken and his parents. For example, approximately six weeks prior, Mr McQuaid, in front of Ken and the other parents, asked Ms Launspach "How's my retarded son doing?". Ms Launspach stated that the school staff had been working with the mother and child on emotional interactions ie Ken giving his mother a kiss. Ms Launspach reported that Ms Prosh appeared reluctant with this, as if she was not sure she was going to receive one. Ms Launspach stated that Ken was sitting more at circle and participated more with activities. She noted, however, that he "freaks out with toiletting; tantrums". They have not noticed head banging or self stimulating behaviour. There is aggression with other children which they treat with timeouts. On May 31, 2000 during a case conference, Ms Launspach stated that despite progress in behaviour the following concerns exist: after speaking a sentence or two he goes back into himself; he is still different from his peers though is responding to what his peers have engaged him in; and toiletting is a problem, he lands on the floor, yelling and screaming. I verily believe this to be true.
v) Parent Infant Consultant with the Parent Infant Program, Nina Little Alcorn has continued to be involved with the family for the last seven months with visits averaging once or twice monthly. On April 20, 2000 Ms Little Alcorn reported that the parents have been present for each visit with good follow through with appointments and phone calls. Ms Little Alcorn was concerned about unnecessary qualifying comments by the mother. She stated that she observed Ken referring to himself as a brat. Ms Little Alcorn stated that she had given Ms Prosh activities to encourage nurturing; permitting a kid to be a kid and the parent to be a parent in a safe setting, encouraging memory building activities. During this discussion Ms Little Alcorn also described an incident on March 17, 2000 in the speech pathologist's office where Ms Little Alcorn was doing a joint visit with Kindrey Rowlands, SLP. The session generally went well for Ken although Ms Little Alcorn reported that there were odd comments and raised voice from the mother. The mother was not feeling well and on antibiotics. However, at one point, Ms Little Alcorn reported that Ken climbed onto a chair and was on his knees on the chair when the chair fell backwards and crashed. Ken hit his head and cried. Ms Prosh, who was writing a cheque, stayed in her seat, barely looked up and yelled "stop crying, that's what you get for acting up. Ken it's not that bad". Ken sought comfort from his mother but received it from Ms Little Alcorn and Kindrey Rowlands. At one point, with her back to Ken, still writing the cheque, Ms Prosh patted Ken's back and said, "It's not that bad sweetie". There was no hug, kiss or eye contact. Ms Little Alcorn reports also that Ms Prosh stated that she still had problems controlling him in the mall, at Burger King and at the airport. Ms Little Alcorn wondered at that time how much could be taught and felt that the parents needed support in child management especially limit setting, discipline, rules and boundaries, compliance and especially how to deal with emotional needs. On May 31, 2000 Ms Little Alcorn stated that the latest test showed delays in speech and language and possible marginal delays in gross motor but that this was not a concern now. Ms Little Alcorn was concerned with Ken's fit with his peers. Ms Alcorn Little reported on June 16, 2000 that Ken's higher level of thinking was improving as well as his mood and emotional regulatory abilities. She reported that effort had been noticed with Ms Prosh in particular, however, Mr McQuaid relationship with Ken was more difficult to assess. Ms Little Alcorn was not sure how Ken would continue to progress and states an assessment by the Child Advocacy and Assessment Program would be very helpful. Ms Alcorn Little states that she will continue to be involved with the family only for approximately another four months until Ken reaches the age of four. (see report attached Exhibit A). I verily believe this to be true.
vi) Kindrey Rowlands, Speech and Language Pathologist has been involved with Ken in weekly speech and language intervention sessions from February 18, 2000 to June 8, 2000 for a total of 14 sessions. Ms Rowlands reports that Ms Prosh has actively participated in sessions and that Ken was also accompanied by his father on occasion. She reports that both parents followed through with home practice suggestions and provided regular verbal reports of Ken's progress with therapy goals in everyday situations at home. Although he has demonstrated steady and marked progress in the relatively short time since he was initially assessed, Ken's speech development and his expressive and receptive language skills continue to fall Below Average for his age. Ms Rowlands recommends that Ken continue to receive speech and language intervention focused primarily on developing his social and his conversation skills; continued participation in a program that facilitates Ken's interaction with other children and that Ken's speech and language development be re-assessed in the fall of 2000 (see Exhibit B). I verily believe this to be true.
vii) On April 12, 2000 Debbie Taylor, Senior Program Manager, with the Society received a phone call from Alice Veenman, Mono Township Council Member and Carl Ross, Director of Social Services. They reported to Ms Taylor that Mr McQuaid had spoken to council about "the kid" (his son) being taken by the Society without an appropriate complaint. Ms Veenman and Mr Ross stated that Mr McQuaid then described the messiness in his home, the gratings out of the floor, the the blind cords dangling, and the broken crib. He continued to refer to his son throughout the presentation as "the kid" and indicated that he felt that the Society was inappropriately involved with his family. I verily believe this to be true.
viii) This worker met with Mr McQuaid and Ms Prosh a number of times. It was observed that on each visit Ken was improving in speech and language and social skills though not at par with his peers. Information regarding the Easter Seals diaper program and the Parent Relief Program was given to Mr McQuaid during a drop by visit. Parents reported some destructive behaviour such a destroying videos, throwing toys and frustration with toilet training. However, at the case conference of May 31, 2000 Ms Prosh indicated that Ken was much easier to handle and that they did not need to be on top on Ken as much. Ms Prosh stated that Ken was more attached to her now and only bangs his head on her when he is frustrated. During the visits there was evidence of toys, appropriate bedding and clothing. There was no lock on his door and the drawers were still out of the dresser. I verily believe this to be true.
ix) I spoke with Dr Bakht, child and adolescent psychiatrist, on March 3, 2000 and later met with him June 6, 2000. Dr Bakht stated that, initially Ken, on referral was 3, and at a local day care for three weeks. He reported that the father was fairly bitter and angry with the Children's Aid Society but that the mother was composed and gave fairly honest information and admitted her responsibility in not being an acceptable mother. Dr Bakht stated that Ms Prosh had been most helpful as the peacemaker with her husband and his anger at the system. Dr Bakht stated that the father has trouble with trusting. Dr Bakht reported that the parents described Ken at that time as going into a rampage when tired/bored resulting in hitting, biting, destructive behaviour at home and at the day care. The psychiatrist reported that Ken was not on medication and that his physical health was fine. Dr Bakht stated that both parents are intellectually superior but lacking the social skills to take care of themselves and their child. Dr Bakht reported that he originally saw Ken with difficulties with speech and restless/hyperactive behaviour. Dr Bakht stated that when children are not stimulated or kept contained, they become more hyper. Dr Bakht states that Ken was more lively and able to have a rapport with the psychiatrist with some bright feelings of happiness. Dr Bakht stated that the interaction between Ms Prosh and Ken and Mr McQuaid and Ken in his setting is okay. Initially, Dr Bakht's provisional diagnosis was neglect of the child or ADD. However, as Ken's behaviour and abilities have improved, his final diagnosis was parental neglect of the child with developmental (social and language) delays secondary to neglect. He stated that the parents love Ken and the neglect was not intentional but with their emotional and financial difficulties and isolation, they became emotionally and physically distanced from their child. Dr Bakht stated he has provided the parents with reassurance, psychoeducational information regarding child rearing, good parenting, responding to cues and presently sees the family monthly. The Society's concerns regarding the parent's ability to apply their knowledge at an emotional level was described to the Dr Bakht An assessment of Ken by the Child Advocacy Assessment Program at Chedoke McMaster Hospital was discussed. Dr Bakht supported the decision as it would provide a thorough and comprehensive assessment and identify the degree of the delay and implications for the future and provide recommendations for Ken, his family and the professionals involved with them.
x) On June 20, 2000, following a call from Dr Bakht to this writer, I spoke with Dr Bakht. Dr Bakht reports that Mr McQuaid and Ms Prosh had indicated through their lawyer that they did not want to participate in an assessment with the Child Advocacy Assessment Program. Dr Bakht states that he supports completely the assessment as the assessments locally have been scattered and a comprehensive assessment would be instrumental in identifying the degree of the delay and implications for the future and provide recommendations for Ken, his family and the professional involved with them. Dr Bakht reported that he will meet with Mr McQuaid and Ms Prosh and indicate his continued support of the assessment.
xii) Ken is clearly moving positively towards being able to master his age appropriate developmental milestones. However, he is still below average despite significant intervention by many professionals. Mr McQuaid and Ms Prosh have complied with all requests and followed through on all interventions. However, statements and behaviours by them indicate difficulty in applying these on a day to day basis. Ken McQuaid was found to have significant developmental delays secondary to parental neglect. The concerns raised by the professionals continue to demonstrate to the Society that Ken still at risk of neglect. Mr McQuaid's statement to the Township Council indicates an inability to recognize his role in neglect with his child. The Society feels that there is a continued need to be involved to ensure the continued work with Ken and to monitor his progress. The Society would like the assessment with the Child Advocacy Assessment Program to proceed to provide a thorough and comprehensive assessment and to identify the degree of the delay and the implications for the future and provide recommendations for Ken, his family and professionals involved with them.
xiii) I make this statement with no improper intent.
Sworn/Affirmed before me at | Orangeville |
Patricia L Cox
Signature
This form is to be signed in front of a lawyer, justice of the peace, notary public or commissioner for taking affidavits.) | |
(municipality) | |||
In | Ontario | ||
(province, state or country) | |||
on | June 21, 2000 | Irene Beazley | |
date | Commissioner for taking affidavits (Type or print below if signature is illegible) | ||
IRENE BEAZLEY A Commissioner etc, Province of Ontario, for the Children's Aid Society. Expires September 27, 2000 |
-End of Document-
Exhibit A
Personal Life Plan by Nina Little Alcorn.
Exhibit B
Speech-Language Pathology Progress Report
by Kindrey Rowland.
CLIENT NAME: Ken McQUAID File #: 379
DATE OF BIRTH: 16 October 1996
DATE PLAN COMPLETED: May 31, 2000
PLANNING PARTICIPANTS: Nina K. Little Alcorn/
L. Prosh/R. McQuaid
(and service providers/conference participants)
PERSONAL INTRODUCTION:
Ken (Kenneth) is the 43 month old only child of Linda Prosh and Bob
(Robert) McQuaid. Ken is an attractive, interesting, and engaging
preschooler.
I do not have a complete early medical/developmental history, however, it is my understanding that Ken was born at term and of average size. I also believe that he has enjoyed relatively good health, but that there were fluctuating concerns early on about delayed motor milestones and speech and language development.
Ken was initially referred to our service by a child welfare intake worker, requesting my impressions about Ken's developmental status. As our contact continued I engaged with Ken's parents to provide developmental monitoring, information, suggestions, and support.
Current Services and Supports.
This worker has made 8 home visits, 3 office visits and attended one
speech and language therapy appointment. I have also participated in 2
case conferences, including today's, and, joined with Ken's parents at a
"theraplay" session. Referrals were made by this worker to CCAC, the
Preschool Resource Program, and Wee Talk. Literature was provided about
securing quality childcare and other private services.
Visits average once or twice monthly, typically revolving around a play-and-chat session in the family home with Ken and both of his parents. We have reviewed the Ages and Stages Questionnaire for 36 months and the mental subtest of the Bayley Scales of Infant Development.
To the best of my knowledge the other paid, or unpaid, supports to Ken and his parents include Ken's speech and language pathologist, family counsellor, family service worker, doctor (as needed), a maternal uncle, Ken's preschool setting, and the "women's centre". CCAC found Ken to be ineligible for service and the Preschool Resource Program were involved only briefly.
PERSONAL PLAN AND GOALS: Wishes, Dreams and
Aspirations:
Future Directions:
It is my sense that Bob and Linda wish to keep their family intact and
continue to parent Ken together. They hope for his optimal, healthy
development and readiness for successful entry to elementary school.
Linda and Bob have appeared receptive to my partnership with them,
following up on concrete suggestions regarding services, equipment, etc.
They have kept appointments and permitted me to reschedule when
necessary. I feel a dedication to trying to follow through on ideas,
such as the speech ideas, purchasing different toys, etc.
Current Goals:
I continue to feel uncertainty about Ken's developmental profile.
Although he has made remarkable gains, particularly in his speech, I'm
unsure about the larger repertoire of higher level skills,
comprehension, representational and imaginary play, mood and emotional
regulatory abilities, etc. I am not able to make a clear statement
regarding Ken's attachment relationships. I did witness one episode of
injury followed by a reluctant response from his mom, which we addressed
by way of conversation about that incident in particular and at length
more generally about the emotional needs of young children.
My role will be to attempt to offer additional knowledge and support to achieve more of that understanding, review Ken's development with screens we have, and offer general resource and support around parenting this 2-1/2 to 4 year old. My service will conclude at Ken's 4th birthday.
I encourage Linda and Bob's attendance at relevant workshops/groups, Ken's participation at preschool, and, if possible, a more comprehensive assessment.
Nina K Little Alcorn
Parent Infant Consultant | May 31, 2000
Date
| |
Dorothy McLachlan
Program Manager, Clinical Services | Jun 1/00
Date
|
cc:
R.McQuaid/L.Prosh
T.Cox
Name: | Kenneth McQuaid | Date of Birth: | October 16, 1996 |
Report Date: | June 15, 2000 | Age: | 3 years, 8 months |
PROGRESS SUMMARY
Ken participated in weekly speech and language intervention sessions
from February 18, 2000 to June 8, 2000 for a total of 14 sessions.
Ken's mother actively participated in sessions and Ken was also
accompanied by his father on occasion. Both Mr McQuaid and Mrs Prosh
followed through with home-practice suggestions and provided regular
verbal reports of Ken's progress with therapy goals in everyday
situations at home. Intervention to date has focused on the following
areas:
Intervention focused on modelling pretend play in a variety
of activities. (eg, pretending to eat and drink at a picnic and
acting out familiar routines with a doll house). Modelling
pretend play was a powerful technique and Ken quickly joined in
when he observed his mother engaging in pretend play activities.
Mrs Prosh reported that she purchases a variety of toys to
facilitate Ken's pretend play skills at home. Ken will now
engage in pretend play activities without a model with a variety
of toys both at home and at the clinic (eg, using a dish set,
fire station, and a farm). It was recommended that Ken's
parents continue to get on the floor with Ken and engage in
pretend play activities [eg, acting out familiar routines,
putting on puppet shows, using one object to represent many
objects (eg, a box might be an airplane and then a train)]. I
have not observed Ken's play skills with his peers to date.
However, this will be an area of investigation in the near
future.
Intervention focused on increasing Ken's ability to appropriately answer a variety of question types while reducing echolalia. Ken has demonstrated good progress in this area. He is now able to answer concrete forced-choice questions consistently (eg, Do you want milk or juice?, do you want the bubbles or the stamps?). Typically, these objects no longer have to be visible. He continues to have difficulty answering abstract forced-choice questions (eg, an echolalic response would be likely if asked about events that will occur in future or have occurred in the past).
Intervention has also focused on answering yes/no questions. Ken will now consistently answer short, simple and concrete yes/no questions (eg, Do you like broccoli?, Do want to play with the house?, Do you have the ball?).
Future intervention will focus on developing Ken's ability to
talk about more abstract topics.
Recently Ken has begun to say "my turn" and "your turn"
appropriately in structured activities. Intervention focusing
on reducing pronoun confusions will continue.
SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Ken's speech development and his expressive and receptive language
skills continue to fall Below Average for his age. However, he has
demonstrated steady and marked progress in the relatively short time
since he was initially assessed. Intervention to date has focused
primarily on developing his pretend play, his conversational skills, and
reducing echolalia. Ken has demonstrated progress in his ability to
talk about and answer questions about simple, concrete topics in the
here and now. However, his ability to talk about more abstract topics
(eg, sharing stories about past events, talking about the future,
answering more complex questions) continues to be a significant weakness
for his age. His pretend play skills have developed well. His
interactive play skills with peers will be a future target of
intervention. Importantly, he has demonstrated an ability to generalize
skills learned in intervention sessions across a variety of settings and
situations.
The following recommendations were made.
In addition to weaknesses in these priority areas, Ken continues to demonstrate needs in his expressive and receptive vacabulary, in his understanding and use of a variety of concepts, in his auditory comprehension of longer and more complex instructions, and in his oral-motor development. These areas will also be addressed in future sessions.
Please call 519-941-1314 if I can provide any further information.
Sincerely,
K Rowland
Kindrey Rowland, M.Sc., S-LP(C), Reg. CASLPO
Speech-Language Pathologist
June 15, 2000
Date
cc.
Mrs L Prosh, and Mr R McQuaid RR #5, Orangeville, ON, L9W 2Z2
Dr Murphy, 15 Elizabeth St, Orangeville, ON, L9W 3X3
Dr S Ross, Tottenham Medical Centre, 119 Queen St N, Tottenham, ON, L0G
1W0
N Little Alcorn, Dufferin Child & Family Services, 50 Fourth Ave,
Unit #13, Orangeville, ON, L9W 4P1
Ontario Court of Justice
(Name of Court)
|
Court file number 180/99
Form 14: Notice of Motion | |
at |
10 Louisa Street, Orangeville Ontario L9W 3P9
Court office address
|
Applicant(s) | |
Full legal name & address for service - street & number, municipality, postal code, telephone & fax numbers and e-mail address (if any). | Lawyer's name & address - street & number, municipality, postal code, telephone & fax numbers and e-mail address (if any). |
The Children's Aid Society of the County of Dufferin 50 Fourth Avenue, Unit 13 Orangeville Ontario L9W 4P1 Canada Phone: 519-941-1530 Fax: 519-941-1525 email: dcafs@hurontario.net | Wardlaw, Mullin, Carter, Thwaites and Ward Attention: David Thwaites 235 Broadway Orangeville, Ontario L9W 2Z5 Canada Phone: 519-941-1700 Fax: 519-941-3688 eMail: dthwaites@wardlaw.on.ca |
Respondent(s) | |
Full legal name & address for service- street & number, municipality, postal code, telephone & fax numbers and e-mail address (if any). | Lawyer's name & address - street & number, municipality, postal code, telephone & fax numbers and e-mail address (if any). |
Robert McQuaid RR #5 Orangeville, Ontario L9W 2Z2, Canada Phone: 940-9847 Linda Prosh RR #5 Orangeville Ontario L9W 2Z2, Canada Phone: 940-9847 | |
The person making this motion or the person's lawyer must contact the clerk of the court by telephone or otherwise to choose a time and a date when the court could hear this motion |
TO THE PARTIES: THE COURT WILL HEAR A MOTION on (date) June 28, 2000 at 1100 a.m., or as soon as possible after that time at: (place of hearing) 10 Louisa Street, Orangeville, Ontario, L9W 3P9 This motion will be made by The Children's Aid Society of the County of Dufferin |
who will be asking the court for an order for the item(s) listed at the end of this notice.
If this material is missing, you should talk to the court officer immediately.
The person making this motion is also relying on the following documents in the continuing record: (List documents.)
past affidavits
If you want to oppose this motion or to give your own views, you should talk to your own lawyer and prepare your own affidavit, serve it on all other parties not later than 4 days before the date above and file it at the court office not later than 2 days before that date. Only written and affidavit evidence will be allowed at a motion unless the court gives permission for oral testimony. You may bring your lawyer to the motion.
IF YOU DO NOT COME TO THE MOTION, THE COURT MAY MAKE AN ORDER WITHOUT YOU AND ENFORCE IT AGAINST YOU.
June 21/00
Date of signature
Debbie Taylor
Signature of person making this motion or of
person's lawyer
|
Wardlaw, Mullin, Carter, Thwaites and Ward
Typed or printed name of person or of person's
lawyer, address for service, telephone & fax number and
e-mail address (if any)
Attention: David Thwaites 235 Broadway Orangeville, Ontario L9W 2Z5 Canada Phone: 519-941-1760 Fax: 519-941-1760 eMail: dthwaites@wardlaw.on.ca |
State the order or orders requested on this motion.
An order for an assessment of Ken McQuaid by the Child Advocacy and Assessment Program at Chedoke McMaster Hospital, Department of Paediatrics pursuant to section 54 of the Child and Family Services Act.
NOTE: You must attach a Summary of Court Cases
(Form 8E) to this notice of motion.
-End of Document-
Attachment: letter from Chedoke-McMaster
Attachment: affidavit of Trish Cox June 21, 2000
Attachment: Summary of court cases (follows)
Ontario Court of Justice
(Name of Court)
|
Court file number 180/99 Form 8E: Summary of Court Cases | |
at |
10 Louisa Street, Orangeville Ontario L9W 3P9
Court office address
|
Applicant(s) | |
Full legal name & address for service - street & number, municipality, postal code, telephone & fax numbers and e-mail address (if any). | Lawyer's name & address - street & number, municipality, postal code, telephone & fax numbers and e-mail address (if any). |
The Children's Aid Society of the County of Dufferin 50 Fourth Avenue, Unit 13 Orangeville Ontario L9W 4P1 Canada Phone: 519-941-1530 Fax: 519-941-1525 email: dcafs@hurontario.net | Wardlaw, Mullin, Carter, Thwaites and Ward Attention: David Thwaites 235 Broadway Orangeville, Ontario L9W 2Z5 Canada Phone: 519-941-1700 Fax: 519-941-3688 eMail: dthwaites@wardlaw.on.ca |
Respondent(s) | |
Full legal name & address for service- street & number, municipality, postal code, telephone & fax numbers and e-mail address (if any). | Lawyer's name & address - street & number, municipality, postal code, telephone & fax numbers and e-mail address (if any). |
Robert McQuaid RR #5 Orangeville, Ontario L9W 2Z2, Canada Phone: 940-9847 Linda Prosh RR #5 Orangeville Ontario L9W 2Z2, Canada Phone: 940-9847 | |
My name is (full legal name) Patricia Louise Cox.
The attached is a diary of all the steps in this case and any other relevant court cases involving:
Patricia L Cox
Signature
| June 21.00.
Date of signature
|
Date when case or step in case began | Description of case or step in case | Court that heard the case or step in case | Judge or judicial officer whose order disposed of case of step in case | Date of order | Summary of order |
Nov 22/99 | Protection application | Nov 22/99 | JB Allen | Dec 9/99 | Adjourned to Dec 1/99 Temporary care of CAS w/access |
Dec 2/99 | Protection Application | Dec 2/99 | JB Allen | Dec 2/99 | Adjourned to Dec 22/99 Supervision Order (Interim) |
Dec 22/99 | Protection Application | Dec 22/99 | Judge Karswick | Dec 22/99 | Adjourned to Jan 19/2000 |
Jan 19/00 | Protection Application | Jan 19/00 | JB Allen | Jan 19/2000 | Supervision Order 6 months with terms and conditions |
Jun 28/00 | Status Review Application | Jun 28/00 |
Ontario Court of Justice (Name of court)
|
Court file number 180/99 Form 14A: Affidavit (General) dated June 24, 2000 | |
at | 10 Louisa Street, Orangeville Ontario L9W 3P9
Court office address
|
Applicant(s) | |
Full legal name & address for service - street & number, municipality, postal code, telephone & fax numbers and e-mail address (if any). | Lawyer's name & address - street & number, municipality, postal code, telephone & fax numbers and e-mail address (if any). |
The Children's Aid Society of the County of Dufferin 50 Fourth Avenue, Unit 13 Orangeville Ontario L9W 4P1 Canada Phone: 519-941-1530 Fax: 519-941-1525 email: dcafs@hurontario.net | Wardlaw, Mullin, Carter, Thwaites and Ward Attention: David Thwaites 235 Broadway Orangeville, Ontario L9W 2Z5 Canada Phone: 519-941-1700 Fax: 519-941-3688 eMail: dthwaites@wardlaw.on.ca |
Respondent(s) | |
Full legal name & address for service- street & number, municipality, postal code, telephone & fax numbers and e-mail address (if any). | Lawyer's name & address - street & number, municipality, postal code, telephone & fax numbers and e-mail address (if any). |
Robert McQuaid RR #5 Orangeville, Ontario L9W 2Z2, Canada Phone: 940-9847 | Evelyn Huber Huber and Hersche Barristers and Solicitors Orangeville, Ontario L9W 1K8, Canada Phone: 940-4502 |
Linda Prosh RR #5 Orangeville Ontario L9W 2Z2, Canada Phone: 940-9847 | Evelyn Huber Huber and Hersche Barristers and Solicitors Orangeville, Ontario L9W 1K8, Canada Phone: 940-4502 |
My name is (full legal name) Patricia Louise Cox
I work in (municipality & province) Orangeville, Ontario
and I swear/affirm that the following is true:
Set out the statements of fact in consecutively numbered paragraphs. Where possible, each numbered paragraph should consist of one complete sentence and be limited to a particular statement of fact. If you learned a fact from someone else, you must give that person's name and state that you believe that fact to be true.
1. I am a child protection and family services worker with the Children's Aid Society of the County of Dufferin. I have been involved with this family for seven months.
2. Ken McQuaid has been assessed by a number of professionals in the community for the significant delays that he presented when first brought to the attention of the Society. These professionals have also provided interventions which have allowed Ken to move positively towards reaching his developmental milestones, especially in the areas of speech and social/emotional development. However, Ken still presents with delays and was found to be below average in speech and language development by his Speech and Language Pathologist, Kindrey Rowlands. Nina Little Alcorn has expressed concern regarding his development socially and emotionally. The nursery school staff have identified that Ken is different. Dr Bakht, child and adolescent psychiatrist, has diagnosed Ken as having developmental delays (language and social/emotional) secondary to parent neglect. He stated to this worker that a comprehensive assessment of Ken would be useful as the assessments done to date have been scattered and therefore he supports a comprehensive and thorough assessment of Ken to identify the degree of the delay and implications for the future and to provide recommendations for Ken, his family and professionals involved with them. Ms Rowlands, Ms Little Alcorn and Ms Launspach with the nursery school also stated that they felt that this assessment would be useful for them in their work with Ken. I verily believe this to be true.
3. Ms Prosh, at a case conference of May 31, 2000, stated that she did not have any objection to this assessment but expressed concern regarding her husband's response to the suggestion. Ms Prosh was advised at the case conference that the referral to the Child Advocacy and Assessment Program had been initiated in February by this writer as it was not known at that time how Ken would progress and this writer knew that it typically took four to six months at referral time to receive an assessment date. At the time that the Child Advocacy and Assessment Program referral was initiated it was also not known to this writer that the parents had found a psychiatrist that could provide a diagnosis.
4. The Child Advocacy and Assessment Program assessment (see Exhibit A) was to begin June 28, 2000. I spoke with Ms Linda Harris with the program on June 23, 2000 and they have agreed to delay the first meeting date to July 7, 2000 to facilitate this court matter with this motion. They will add an additional date to the assessment at the end of the assessment period.
5. I spoke with Dr Bakht June 23, 2000. Dr Bakht states that the parents reported to him at a recent meeting that they will participate in the assessment as long as the information obtained will not be used against them. I stated to Dr Bakht that I had a responsibility to the child under legislation to act on any information that might effect the well-being of the child. I verily believe this to be true.
6. The Society has seen improvement in Ken but despite significant intervention by many providers Ken still is below average in his speech and language and social and emotional development. Dr Bakht has diagnosed him as having developmental delays secondary to parent neglect. The Child Advocacy and Assessment Program will assist Ken, the parents, the professionals and the Society in determining the degree of delay, implications for the future and to provide recommendations. Ken will be four years old in October. The assessment will be completed just prior to that birth date. The information received will help Ken, for the following year, to prepare for school where he will be introduced to very complex social interactions and require complex speech to effectively communicate his needs and to learn. The assessment will be useful also, in providing information relating to the parents and their relationship with Ken and this information will therefore also help the professionals assist the parents to provide for the social and emotional needs of the child.
Sworn/Affirmed before me at | Orangeville |
Patricia L Cox
Signature
This form is to be signed in front of a lawyer, justice of the peace, notary public or commissioner for taking affidavits.) | |
(municipality) | |||
In | Ontario
(province, state or country)
| ||
on | June 26, 2000 | Irene Beazley | |
date | Commissioner for taking affidavits (Type or print below if signature is illegible) | ||
IRENE BEAZLEY A Commissioner etc, Province of Ontario, for the Children's Aid Society. Expires September 27, 2000 |
-End of Document-
Exhibit A
Copy of the letter from Children's
Hospital, Chedoke McMaster, to Trish Cox dated February 10, 2000.
ONTARIO COURT OF JUSTICE (Name of Court)
|
Court file number 180/99 Form 10: Answer |
at 10 Louisa Street, Orangeville Ontario L9W 3P9 Court office address
|
Applicant(s) | |
Full legal name & address for service - street &
number, municipality, postal code, telephone & fax
numbers and e-mail address (if any).
THE CHILDREN'S AID SOCIETY FOR THE COUNTY OF DUFFERIN50 Fourth Street Unit 13 Orangeville, Ontario L9W 4P1 519-941-1530 phone 519-941-1525 - fax |
Lawyer's name & address - street & number,
municipality, postal code, telephone & fax numbers and
e-mail address (if any).
WARDLAW, MULLIN, CARTER, THWAITES AND WARDBarristers & Solicitors 235 Broadway Orangeville Ontario L9W 2Z5 David G. Thwaites 519-941-1760 519-941-3668 - fax |
Respondent(s) | |
Full legal name & address for service- street &
number, municipality, postal code, telephone & fax and
e-mail address (if any).
LINDA PROSH/ROBERT MCQUAIDR.R. #5 Orangeville, Ontario L9W 2Z2 940-9847 |
Lawyer's name & address - street & number,
municipality, postal code, telephone & fax numbers and
e-mail address (if any).
HUBER & HEERSCHEBarristers & Solicitors 184 Broadway Orangeville, Ontario L9W 1K3 (519)940-4500 (519)940-4502 - fax |
TO THE APPLICANT(S):
If you are making a claim against someone who is not an applicant, insert the person's name and address here. | AND TO:
(full legal name),
an added respondent, of (address of added party) |
ONTARIO COURT OF JUSTICE
(Name of Court)
10 Louisa Street, Orangeville Ontario L9W 3P9 at Court office address
|
Court file number
180/99
Form 14A: Affidavit(General) dated June 27, 2000 |
Applicant(s) | |
Full legal name & address for service -
street & number, municipality, postal code, telephone
& fax numbers and e-mail address (if any).
The Children's Aid Society of the County of Dufferin50 Fourth Avenue, Unit 13 Orangeville, Ontario L9W 4P1 519-941-1530 phone 519-941-1525 fax |
Lawyer's name & address - street &
number, municipality, postal code, telephone & fax
numbers and e-mail address (if any).
Wardlaw, Mullin, Carter, Thwaites and WardDavid Thwaites 235 Broadway, Orangeville, ON 519-941-1760 phone 519-941-3668 fax |
Respondent(s) | |
Full legal name & address for service-
street & number, municipality, postal code, telephone
& fax and e-mail address (if any).
Linda Prosh/Robert McQuaidR.R. #5 Orangeville, ON L9W 2Z2 940-9847 |
Lawyer's name & address - street &
number, municipality, postal code, telephone & fax
numbers and e-mail address (if any).
Huber & HeerscheEvelyn D. Huber 184 Broadway Orangeville ON L9W 1K3 (519)940-4500 phone (519)940-4502 fax |
My name is (full legal name) Robert McQuaid
I live in (municipality & province) Township of Mono, County of Dufferin
and I swear/affirm that the following is true:
Set out the statements of fact in consecutively numbered paragraphs. Where possible, each numbered paragraph should consist of one complete sentence and be limited to a particular statement of fact. If you learned a fact from someone else, you must give that person's name and state that you believe that fact to be true.
1. I am the Respondent in this matter and therefore have knowledge of the issues before the court.
2. On January 19, 2000 a consent was executed in which we allowed the Children's Aid Society (CAS) to supervise Ken for six months. We entered into this agreement as the quid pro quo in response to crown wardship application. I assume that further discussion of events leading up to that consent is out of order. This affidavit gives the facts I believe the court should consider in response to efforts by CAS to extend its supervision of Kenneth McQuaid and to force attendance at the Child Advocacy and Assessment Program. We initially agreed to retain the services of the professionals currently involved in Ken's life, so as to have some control and direction in the services and the professionals involved. It was my understanding that agreeing to retain all of these professionals was to be seen as an option instead of going through a CAAP assessment. My concern with the CAAP assessment or similar assessment centres is that the referral comes from the CAS and there is a strong potential for prejudgment.
3. Further, after our last court attendance, Linda and I were advised after the Order was consented to that the CAS has recommended that we be placed on the Child Abuse Registry. No mention of this intent was ever made leading upto the execution of the consent. These actions by the CAS strike me as being covert and excessive in the circumstances. We were having some difficulty dealing with Ken. We are now seeking the appropriate professional intervention to address these issues. Linda and I are committed to helping Ken and ourselves however we can. We are not merely jumping through hoops, as the CAS insinuates, in order to comply with the Order. We are doing what is in Ken's best interest and are committed to continuing to do so. We have learned a considerable amount about the resources available to parents in our community and we are taking advantage of them and will continue to do so.
4. We have strictly complied with the consent.
4. CAS now requests that we engage in the Child Advocacy and Assessment Program. This program is an abuse screening program that is designed to ascertain whether any abuse has occurred to a child. It is designed to screen and assess the parents and their parenting capacity. It is akin to the SCAN program at Toronto Hospital for Sick Children. The CAS was notified of these appointments by way of letter dated February 10, 2000, received in their offices on February 18, 2000. The CAS knew of these appointments but waited over three months to advise Linda or myself of these appointments. When Linda was first advised of these appointments, she initially indicated she might be willing to attend. She was led to believe that this facility was a treatment facility. She was unaware until Will Weiner inquired into the nature of the program, that it was a facility intended to screen for abuse. I verily believe that we need to focus on providing Ken with help, not trying to finger point. I am advised by Evelyn Huber and believe it to be true that she spoke with Linda Harris of the CAAP program on June 27, 2000 and that Linda Harris confirmed to her that the question asked of them by the CAS was whether Linda and I are able to parent Kenneth. Different professionals would see Kenneth that would meet with Linda or I. The report and recommendations would be sent to the CAS. There are no speech therapist or occupational therapists. When Linda Harris was asked what the difference between what their program offers from the help currently being provided to my family she advised Evelyn Huber was that they were specifically geared towards a parenting capacity assessment.
5. Our family has been working very closely with Will Weiner since the end of November, 1999. Mr Weiner has been invaluable in providing Linda and me with parenting insight. Shown to me now and attached as Exhibit "A" is a true copy of a report written by Will Weiner, who was provided with the CAS material that is currently before the Court. I am advised by Evelyn Huber and believe it to be true that she discussed the current Court proceedings with Will Weiner and provided him with the material. This report does not support a need for a parenting capacity assessment.
6. A report from Debbie Launspach is attached as Exhibit B. She does not agree with the dire prognosis attributed to her by Trish Cox. I do not recall using the word "retarded" attributed to me but if such a remark was made by myself it certainly was not made in the context Trish Cox and the CAS now elect to place it for the purposes of this motion. I love my son dearly and know him to be a bright, interesting and happy child as confirmed by Will Weiner. I am advised by Evelyn Huber and believe it to be true that she discussed the current situation with Ms Launspach on Friday June 23, 2000. Ms Launspach advised Evelyn Huber, that had Trish Cox not contacted her, none of her or her staff members would have suspected CAS involvement. Ms Launspach has been in the child care business for over 15 years and has considerable experience in dealing with all sorts of children and their families. Debbie Launspach advised Evelyn Huber and I believe it to be true that she sees it as a positive sign that Ken is sometimes reluctant to come to the Day Care centre as it indicates his happiness at staying with his parents, which whom apppears to be very attached and bonded. Ms Launspach has never indicated that she is concerned that Linda and I are not involved enough with Ken, or that we are unwilling to help, listen or learn.
7. Here and elsewhere, Trish Cox notes Ken repeating self-deprecating comments. She omits the true fact that one of Ken's most common utterances in public is "Ken's a smart boy". Trish Cox and Nina Little note an incident in which Ken fell in Kindrey Rowlands' office. This was not significant enough for Kindrey Rowlands to mention in her own report, attached to the affidavit of Trish Cox.
8. Nothing in Kindrey Rowland's report suggests that the parents are unwilling or unqualified to promote Ken's speech development. Neither Will Weiner or Debbie Launspach indicates any concern that Linda and I are not committed to parenting Kenneth and providing him with any and all assistance possible.
9. Dr Bakht has never made the diagnoses to us reported by Trish Cox. Evelyn Huber advises me and I believe it to be true that she has had a number of discussions with Dr Bakht and that when she inquired whether he had made a specific diagnosis of parental neglect, he denied that. He indicated that it was impossible to make a firm diagnosis and that one of his considerations at the outset, before spending any time with the family, had to be whether developmental delays were as a result of parental neglect. He advised that in the context of his treatment at his office and not having had more contact with the family in different settings than a clinic one, it was impossible for him to make any diagnosis as to whether or not there had been neglect.
10. Trish Cox misrepresents a report to Mono Council. One of the topics of my talk was false allegations by CAS. Kid is a friendly colloquialism for child. The complete verbatim transcript from the published minutes of Mono Council is:
"Mr Robert McQuaid attended on Council to express his concerns with the actions of the Dufferin Children's Aid Society and to ask Council to use its influence with regard to the appointment of the Society's board of directors and its executive committee. Mayor Creelman confirmed that it is County Council which appoints CAS board members, and that this matter would be brought up at the next County Council meeting by the Mayor and Deputy-Mayor Veenman, that they would check out the facts and advise Mr McQuaid of their findings".
11. Trish Cox criticizes me for addressing Mono Council, and by implication, the other political remedies I have and will continue to seek. Exercising one's rights as a citizen is not to be condemned, and is not a form of child-abuse. Since my experience in this action, I have been astounded at and continue to experience the vast sweeping powers of the CAS and the community members involved in the CAS. As the CAS is currently involved with our family I will inform myself and become a more active member of the community and the CAS. I strongly believe that if you feel strongly about something, you should follow through with action as Linda, Ken and I have done in response to the concerns raised by the CAS. My level of commitment should indicate my general level of commitment to becoming involved and informing myself. This characteristic is certainly influencing Linda any my current involvement level in helping Ken.
12. On November 29, 1999 CAS filed documents in this case moving to place the parents, Linda Prosh and me, on the Child Abuse Register. Three days later, following a contested hearing, Judge Allen returned custody of Ken to us. Notwithstanding this order, CAS followed though and did place us on the Child Abuse Register. I believe it was inconsistent with the court's finding and premature in that no final determination had been made. Linda and I are now on the Registry.
13. The chronology of events surrounding the report to the Child Abuse Register and the Child Advocacy & Assessment Program follows:
I am concerned that my attempts to become involved with the CAS as a member, and my subsequently running for a Directorship has prompted significant personal animosity towards me by the CAS.
14. Shown to me now and attached hereto as Exhibit "E" is a true copy of the Brigance Pre-School Screen of Ken administered by Joyce Cook on December 20, 1999. DACL refused to assist Ken because his score of 76 was above their development threshold of 60.
15. Shown to me now and attached as Exhibit "F" is a true copy of the Ages and Stages test of Ken administered by N K Little Alcorn on December 16, 1999. Ken's score was below the threshold on 3 categories, while his total score of 165 was just below the combined minimal scores of 170. However, when I completed the items scored by Nina Little as "to check" with my own knowledge of Ken, he scored well within the normal overall score, above the threshold on all categories but personal-social.
16. I have conducted extensive research into the CAS Court cases and court findings in relation to this administrative body and believe that reform is necessary for a body with such sweeping powers at first instance that all but a few people have the financial resources to respond to. Therefore, I pursued and will continue to pursue political remedies through the Mono Council appeal, and by becoming a member of the CAS, along with many other similarly situated parents. At the annual general meeting of CAS held on June 20, 2000, the vote for directors was:
Cathy Chmilnitzky 69 votes
Marianne Breadner 67 votes
Janice Jordan 67 votes
John Christie 66 votes
Lillian Brewer 17 votes
Robert T McQuaid 16 votes
17. It is my intention to continue to exercise my political rights and freedoms in demanding legislative reform in this area. That fact has nothing to do with the current situation with my family. We are thriving. The professionals who know us best, being Debbie Launspach, Will Weiner and Dr Bakht are nothing if not positive about our progress, commitment and interest.
18. We have exceeded all requirements and suggestions made to us but that is not the point. We have done everything possible to meet Ken's best interest and that is the point. We are not only going through the motions of attending at the offices of various professionals that we have retained, but we have thrown ourselves wholeheartedly into the various treatment programs we have participated in: the professionals agree. There is no protection issue.
19. At this juncture Ken's best interest would not be served in subjecting him to yet another batter of professionals whose intention is to find a reason for some of Ken's delays and not provide constructive assistance in addressing some of those issues. We are will beyond the finger pointing stage.
20. I make this affidavit in response to the current motion and application before the Court.
SWORN before me at the Town of Orangeville, in the County of Dufferin this 27th day of June, 2000. EHuber A Commissioner etc. | ) ) ) ) ) ) | Robt T McQuaid
Robert McQuaid
|
Exhibit A
Letter from William Weiner June 26, 2000.
Exhibit B
Letter from Deborah Launspach, June 22,
2000.
Exhibit C
Email from Robert McQuaid to CAS January
29, 2000.
Exhibit D
CAS letter to Linda Prosh on Child Abuse
Registry.
Exhibit E
Brigance Pre-School Screen, December 20,
1999.
Exhibit F
Ages & Stages Test, December 16,
1999.
WILLIAM WEINER, M.A. 162 BROADWAY SUITE 5 ORANGEVILLE ONTARIO L9W 2Y8 | |
519-942-0566 | wweiner@sympatico.ca |
Evelyn Huber
267 Broadway
Orangeville, Ontario
L9W 1K8
June 26, 2000
Re: Ken McQuaid
Dear Ms Huber,
I am a child and Family Counsellor with 20 years of Clinical Experience and a Master of Arts Degree in Counselling Psychology.
I have been involved with the McQuaid Family since November 30, 1999. We met for sessions twice a week, for the first few weeks, then weekly and now we meet every two weeks.
My sessions with the family have been with Ken and his parents. I also observed Ken at Sandbox Tech Daycare and consulted with his teachers there.
I am very pleased to report that Ken has continued to make great strides in the areas of language, imaginative play, and behavior. The parents have also grown in their ability to meet Ken's emotional, physical, and developmental needs ant in their understanding of how to work together to be good parents for Ken.
Ken's language now includes being chatty, laughing, spontaneous singing, answering yes or no to questions asked of him, verbally asserting himself when he wants something, asking funny and interesting question, and saying accurately fun and interesting comments in a conversation. I have seen Ken's language move forward at an excellent rate of progress.
Ken's play has moved from static repetition to imaginative and elaborate pretend play. Ken will include the activities that his parents have taken him on such as the park, hardware stores, fire station, grocery stores, Dairy Queen and other restaurants, as well as other everyday activities that are a fascination to a young child. Ken's play has been enhanced by his parents' willingness to learn to play with him. This has added to the fun for the whole family, highlighted Ken's interests and abilities for his parents and contributed toward stronger relationships. Ken and his parents have developed a closer more intimate bond during the last seven months. They obviously get so much enjoyment from parenting Ken.
Ken's behavior has also improved in the last seven months. He is able to play alongside other children without being destructive or intrusive on the other children's play. He can be trusted to go unsupervised to his room for something and return with the item in a responsible and prompt fashion. He is less destructive of his toys. Ken has moved from tantrum behavior to short bursts of tears and language of frustration and protest. This is a significant step in that he demonstrates to his parents, other caregivers, and himself that he has grown emotionally enough to handle frustration without it becoming an overwhelming experience that requires a huge tantrum response.
Ken and parents face more challenges, as Ken now needs to learn to use the toilet rather than a diaper. This will foster even more feelings of success, confidence, and competence. I would like to see Ken utilize play mediums such as water, clay, scissors, glue, markers, ball play, and a tricycle to continue the progress he has made. I would like to see him continue in a daycare/nursery school setting to encourage more interactive play. Ken's parents will need to continue learning how to stand up to Ken, as he becomes even more verbally and physically demanding of his environment and caregivers.
Both parents have demonstrated to me that they are capable of comforting, nurturing, being good audience participants, being playful and being passionately and actively interested in their son's development and life. I think that Ken's parents' have learned to utilize their own skills and those of other people in the community such a Counsellors, Speech Therapists, Daycare Teachers, and other Parents to meet the constant challenges of Parenting.
As you know the Children's Aid Society of the County of Dufferin has stipulated that certain conditions be met by Linda Prosh and Robert McQuaid. It is my opinion that they have actively met and surpassed those conditions.
Please contact me if you require further information.
Yours truly,
Wil Weiner
William Weiner, MA
June 22, 2000
To Whom this may Concern:
Child's name: Kenneth Daryl McQuaid
I received a phone call from Ken's Mom Linda Prosh back at the beginning of Feb to see if Ken could attend Sandbox Tech. She told me of Ken and his hitting etc. He was kicked out of two child care centres. We were in the middle of a move and that she would have to wait. I was impressed that Mom was so honest with me.
March 7, 2000 was Ken's first day at Sandbox Tech Child Care. When Mom left he was not upset. Ken joined the other children and was introduced to the other staff members. Went outside to play for about 45 min. Ken was not verbal. Came in for circle with the other children. Sat but wanted to hit his head on the floor. He was not upset, he just wanted to do this. We said no Ken and he stopped. He sat at circle, not really listening or communicating with others, but he was happy to be at circle. Would not cross his legs and would shout out off and on at circle. When it was his turn to share, he came up and sat on my knee and shared himself. We asked him his name, age, which colour did he like best, what was his favourite animal, food, etc. We received no answers. Then I asked him the questions again and answers then for him, Ken would parrot every thing that I said. The other children giggled. So did Ken. Sometimes he would stare off into space. I thought that maybe Ken might be PDD, or something also that line. He enjoyed playing in our class, painting, playing with lego, cars, pegs, etc. He did not want to talk or play with the other children. He did not want to play in the water or with play doh. No at attempt was made by him, but remember this was his first day. Ken was happy when Mom came to pick him up.
After about a week or two, Ken would come in and greet us, take off his outside shoes, and put on his slippers, Hang up his coat and join us in the class. He would play on the carpet and watch the children as he was playing. He would answer questions for other children that were playing near him. Once and awhile Ken would hit himself on his head on the floor, carpet, shake his head and not listen. He would scream at times. But for only a few seconds. The other children were a little afraid to play with him because of these out bursts. Ken would at times just hit a child on the back, head, face, quite hard. Then stop. So the children were very careful if Ken would come around to play near them. Ken is always happy to see his Mom and Dad at pick up time. He greets them with a smile and a hug.
April: Ken is quite different. He said goodbye to Mommy and Daddy. "Have a nice Day'. Gives kiss or hugs at times. He enters to class. The younger children say hi to Ken and Ken will reply to that child with a greeting of hi. He is communicating more now. He listens at circle most of the time, sits with his legs crossed and does not always parrot us. He is using his own language most of the time, when he wants to talk.. He speaks very well. Does not hit his head or lay on the floor or through himself about. He talks about his sharing. He sings songs with the children. He smiles and is happy. He loves to be outside with the toys. At times he still will hit a child. But not any one child or for any reason that we can tell. Our approach to this behaviour is KEN NO we do not hit. It is not nice. Then he must give that child a hug and say that he is sorry. Ken once had a time out. We put him on the chair. He did sit on the chair and was not to upset. But he did voice his NO. He did not want to set on the chair.
Ken is learning more each day. He is taking his turn to hand out snack and MUST say the child's name when giving out the snack. Ken is a great eater. He enjoys food. At times he will talk with the children about what ever the other children are talking about.
I give Ken space and let him play with anything he chooses in the centre for about 15 minutes before I ask him to do something. He then can focus on what I am asking of him. This also gives him time to listen to the other children and lots of time for him to approach them to play. At times a children will go over to talk or play with Ken and Ken does not often attempt to participate. If he does it is for a very short time.
Ken is a bright little man. He knows his colours and shapes. He is quite good with numbers. Ken is learning some sounds of the letters and some of the actions for them. He knows the alphabet. We want to work with Ken on toilet training him. He does not want us to change him, or even place him on the toilet, let alone in the wash room. He is very upset. Asks for Mom or Dad to change him. We can not change him. Ken will go out of control if we even attempt to do this. We did attempt this once and wow what a time. We were not successful at all. Then after being in the washroom I had to be very firm with him to get Ken to wash his hands. But once he washed his hands, he really enjoyed it.
June: Ken had come in twice not wanting to come to Sandbox Tech. He was sort of upset one afternoon when Mom brought him in. So Mom took him with her. About 35 mins later Dad came in with Ken. Ken was happy that he came back. I feel that Robert did the right thing. About a week later Ken's Dad brought him in. Ken really did not want to go to Sandbox Tech. Dad had to take him from the car and give him to me. Ken was not a happy camper. He wanted to go home. This was not like Ken at all. He always enjoyed his visits with us. Dad left and Ken was fine after about 3 mins.
My staff and I can talk well with Ken and he can carry on a conversation and be very verbal with us. I find Ken a very bright child. Ken is a loveable little guy with so much to give. He listens and follows directions very well. I feel that in time Ken will communicate with the other children and will enjoy playing at the water and play doh centres, with the other children. I feel that Ken has come a long way in a very short period of time. Ken's parents are concerned with Ken and want his needs met. Ken's parents are interested in having Ken join us for 3 full days starting this July. I will be able to help them out at that time.
If you have any questions or concerns I would be more then happy to
meet with you.
1-519-902-0462 8-5
1-519-941-6926 after 7pm
Deborah Launspach
Sincerely
Deborah Launspach
The following letter from Dr Bakht was introduced into evidence through an affidavit not in my possession. In news of a women's political rally, the reporter commented that they had great legs. This kind of disrespect for opinion appears in the letter below. -RTMQ
WILLIAM OSLER HEALTH CENTRE |
Etobicoke Hospital Campus Brampton Memorial Hospital Campus Georgetown Hospital Campus www.williamoslerhc.on.ca |
Brampton Memorial Hospital Campus 20 Lynch Street Brampton, Ontario L6W 2Z8 Telephone 905.451.1710 Facsimile 905.451.2690 |
27 June, 2000
Psychiatric Assessment
Re: MCQUAID, Kenneth
DOB 16th October 1996
I have first seen Kenneth with both his parents for psychiatric assessment on February 16th 2000. He was referred by Dr Murphy, pediatrician.
Kenneth was a 3 year old, male child who lived with his parents. He had been attending a local day care in Orangeville.
Kenneth's father stated that Kenneth was "kidnapped" by Children's Aid Society on 16th November and was placed in a foster home until December 2nd 1999. Father was extremely hostile throughout the interview against the Children's Aid Society for "kidnapping" his child. At times he became quite agitated, however, Kenneth's mother was more rational and cooperative. She elaborated that Children's Aid Society apprehended Kenneth due to what they had noted, as there was a safety hazard, emotional hazard and neglect for Kenneth at home. During the time when Kenneth was in a foster home, parents had supervised visit. Eventually he was released to his parents' care on supervision order and asked to fulfill certain criteria laid out by the Children's Aid Society. Mother described such condition include psychiatric consultation for Kenneth, assessment by behavior interventionist, participating infant/parent program as well as attending Dufferin area community living program. Dr Murphy examined him and completed a baseline laboratory blood workup.
On further questioning, Kenneth's father stated that Kenneth goes into "rampage" particularly when he is tired and bored. He describes the rampage as throwing things, spitting, biting others and becoming hyperactive. Mother added that even at the day care Centre he was physically quite aggressive to other kids. Both parents added that Kenneth could be quite disruptive and active at times if his demands were not fulfilled and other times he was fairly calm and quiet.
Parents stated that Kenneth was generally a happy child. He ate and slept well. He did not cry for any reason and he was pretty contented but at times he showed mood swings when he was tired and bored. Mother stated that Kenneth sucked his thumb at times.
Kenneth was not on any medication. His physical health was good and had no allergy and had no serious illnesses in the past.
Kenneth's parents stated that they had been living together for eight years and got married in 1996 just before Kenneth was born. Father was a 57 years old man from the United States and spoke little about his early life. He studied math at MIT but did not finish his course. He worked as a computer programmer and reported that he was "resting" at home for the last five years. His wife described him as a loner and had poor social contact. Kenneth's mother was a 45 years old woman. She said that she was a high achiever in school and stood within the first 20 in the high school diploma throughout Quebec. She worked as a computer graphics designer but lately had been working as a freelance graphic designer for the video and worked part time at Wal-Mart. She described it was a "crappy job". Kenneth's mother stated that they had poor social contact and honestly stated that they were quite "disorganized" and had a lack of resources although stated that "financially" they were "well off".
Mother stated that pregnancy and delivery with Kenneth was a normal one. He was a chubby child and started to crawl at 13 months and walked at 17 months. His speech was delayed. He has been receiving speech therapy.
On mental status examination, Kenneth, an average built, Caucasian, male, preschool child presented in casual dress. His personal hygiene and grooming was fairly normal. He had a small bluish spot on his forehead. He was quite active during the interview and did not sit quietly in the chair. At times he wanted to open the door and other times he walked around. While seated he was rocking his head back and forth a few times. The parents stated that he also banged his head quite often resulting that he had bruises on the forehead. He maintained good eye contact. His speech was fairly distinct. His affect was pleasant. Mood was euthymic. His thought form and thought content appeared to be normal. Cognitively, he appeared to be average for his age as he was able to identify the name of a few things such as watch, pen and appeared to be quite well aware of what was going on in the interview room.
The initial impression was this three years old, male child had recently been taken under the custody of Children's Aid Society due to possible neglect by the parents as claimed by Children's Aid Society although parents were very bitter and hostile towards Children's Aid Society with their handling of Kenneth. Father was showing extreme frustration and anger towards them although mother appeared to be quite cooperative and open to accept any help for their son. There were no positive family history of mental illnesses or behavior problem and the pregnancy and birth of Kenneth appeared to be fairly normal although he had some developmental delay including speech and social skills and showed self stimulating behavior of possible emotional neglect as well as somehow being hyperactive and restless during the interview which may be features of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder which needed to be further explored. Many professionals were involved directed by the Children's Aid Society for identifying Kenneth and family's need for help as well as his parents were cooperative under the supervision of Children's Aid Society.
Following the initial assessment I have asked the parents and Day Care Worker to complete the Vanderbilt Behavior checklist and arranged regular follow up on a monthly basis. The bahavior checklist and follow up visit with me did not reveal any evidence of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
Parents remained very compliant and receptive to each follow up visit. They were also very honest with expressing their feelings towards Children's Aid Society's involvement. Parents claimed that they participated in all programs arranged by Children's Aid Society for them. Kenneth's hyperactivity, aggression and demanding behavior greatly decreased. His social skill and speech continued to improve with parental positive involvement increased social contact, speech therapy and professional intervention.
My current impression is that Kenneth is delayed in some areas of development such a language and social skill which may be the result of unintentional neglect by parent due to their lack of ability to identify emotional need for their child or they were "socially isolated" and "disorganized". However, following Children's Aid Society's intervention and multi agencies involvement Kenneth has been showing continuing improvement in areas of development including emotional, social and language skill.
He is happy and contented living with parents. They are very involved and committed to improve Kenneth's growth, development and gaining parental skills.
Children's Aid Society worker Ms Trish Cox has arranged an assessment for McQuaid family by child advocacy program at Chedoke McMaster hospital. Although I have supported this assessment as a compliment Kenneth's case and discussed with Ms Cox, Kenneth's parents and their lawyer Evelyn D Huber, I am not sure whether assessment recommendation would be any different than what Kenneth and his family is receiving now. Kenneth's parents are refusing this assessment fearing that the outcome of the assessment may be used against them that will prolong Children's Aid Society involvement with the family. However, for the well being of Kenneth I recommend as follow:
This multidisciplinary team approach would greatly help to improve Kenneth's physical and emotional growth.
I hope this information is helpful.
M Bakht
Dr M Bakht
MBBS, DCH, Dip Ch Psych(C) FRCP(C)
Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist
MB/ns
Ontario Court of Justice (Name of court)
|
Court file number
180/99
Form 14A: Affidavit(General) dated July 4, 2000 | |
at | 10 Louisa Street, Orangeville Ontario L9W 3P9
Court office address
|
Applicant(s) | |
Full legal name & address for service - street & number, municipality, postal code, telephone & fax numbers and e-mail address (if any). | Lawyer's name & address - street & number, municipality, postal code, telephone & fax numbers and e-mail address (if any). |
The Children's Aid Society of the County of Dufferin 50 Fourth Avenue, Unit 13 Orangeville Ontario L9W 4P1 Canada Phone: 519-941-1530 Fax: 519-941-1525 email: dcafs@hurontario.net | Wardlaw, Mullin, Carter, Thwaites and Ward Attention: David Thwaites 235 Broadway Orangeville, Ontario L9W 2Z5 Canada Phone: 519-941-1700 Fax: 519-941-3688 eMail: dthwaites@wardlaw.on.ca |
Respondent(s) | |
Full legal name & address for service- street & number, municipality, postal code, telephone & fax numbers and e-mail address (if any). | Lawyer's name & address - street & number, municipality, postal code, telephone & fax numbers and e-mail address (if any). |
Robert McQuaid RR #5 Orangeville, Ontario L9W 2Z2, Canada Phone: 940-9847 | Evelyn Huber Huber and Hersche Barristers and Solicitors Orangeville, Ontario L9W 1K8, Canada Phone: 940-4502 |
Linda Prosh RR #5 Orangeville Ontario L9W 2Z2, Canada Phone: 940-9847 | Evelyn Huber Huber and Hersche Barristers and Solicitors Orangeville, Ontario L9W 1K8, Canada Phone: 940-4502 |
My name is (full legal name) Patricia Louise Cox
I work in (municipality & province) Orangeville, Ontario
and I swear/affirm that the following is true:
Set out the statements of fact in consecutively numbered paragraphs. Where possible, each numbered paragraph should consist of one complete sentence and be limited to a particular statement of fact. If you learned a fact from someone else, you must give that person's name and state that you believe that fact to be true.
1. The Children's Aid Society of Dufferin County has been involved
with Mr McQuaid, Ms Prosh and their son Kenneth for approximately 10
months. As a result of our intervention and recommendations in the
original supervision order, Ken has made strides. Had the Society not
identified concerns related to Ken's social, emotional and speech
development, and determined the need for professional assistance for
Kenneth and his parents, we wonder what Ken would look like today. As
it is, as identified in the reports of Nina Little Alcorn and Kindry
Rowlands, Ken still presents with developmental delays. We note that Dr
Bakht, child and adolescent psychiatrist recommends the following:
This multidisciplinary team approach would greatly help to improve Kenneth's physical and emotional growth.
Given the fact that Kenneth continues to present with delays and along with Dr Bakht recommendations and the positive role that the Society has had in assisting Ken to move forward to date, the Society feels the need to maintain a presence that will monitor and provide positive direction.
2. I make this statement with no improper intent.
Sworn/Affirmed before me at | Dufferin |
Patricia L Cox
Signature
This form is to be signed in front of a lawyer, justice of the peace, notary public or commissioner for taking affidavits.) | |
(municipality) | |||
In | Ontario Canada | ||
(province, state or country) | |||
on | July 4, 2000 | O M Patricia Morrison | |
date | Commissioner for taking affidavits (Type or print below if signature is illegible) | ||
ORRAL MAE PATRICIA MORRISON A Commissioner etc, Province of Ontario, for the Children's Aid Society. Expires April 5, 2002 |
Like everyone involved in a family court case, we suffered from the frustration of never once getting an opportunity to speak directly to the court. Here here some arguments I presented to our lawyer, but which were deleted from the court papers. The statement about court procedures is not strictly correct, since courts will allow live testimony with cross-examination, but only after the family has been nearly destroyed by pre-trial maneuvering. In practice, it is rare, even in crown-wardship cases.
4. The procedures of this court do not allow for cross-examination or discovery, making it impossible to compel a witness to answer a question, and permitting CAS to engage in deception by omission. The affidavit of Trish Cox in support of extension of supervision contains many instances.
4.ii. We find it impractical to get a statement from Karen Bowers, because the events described by Trish Cox are too far in the past for accurate recollection.
4.iv. A letter from Debbie Launspach is attached as Exhibit A. She does not agree with the dire prognosis attributed to her by Trish Cox. I do not recall the "retarded" remark attributed to me, but in informal circumstances I frequently use hyperbole. CAS does not understand hyperbole or chooses to misrepresent it.
5.vi. Nothing in Kindrey Rowland's report suggests that the parents are unwilling or unqualified to promote Ken's speech development.
4.viii. We have treated gift offers from CAS as a Trojan Horse.
4.ix. Dr Bakht has never made the diagnoses to us reported by Trish Cox. The correct opinion of Dr Bakht is in Exhibit H. I stand by any of my statements inside or outside this proceeding that removal of children from intact families that have caused them no harm is an outrage.
4.xii. Trish Cox criticizes me for addressing Mono Council, and by implication, the other political remedies I have sought. Exercising one's rights as a citizen is not a disease, and is not a form of child-abuse.
8. The CFSA is vague about many terms such as abuse or neglect. In other areas suffering from vague laws a body of cases becomes a guide both for future judicial decisions and for laymen to know their rights and obligations. CAS cases are secret, preventing laymen from learning the law either directly at the courthouse, or indirectly through accounts of legal journalists. There is only a tiny public window in the form of published appellate decisions. Disregarding Young Offenders and Adoptions, the law librarian at York University was able to show me 96 published cases dealing with the CFSA. None of them define issues in dispute in this case, such as when it is proper to put locks on doors, and of course, none deal with the silly factor of eye contact, mentioned six times by CAS in this case. As long as almost all CAS cases are secret, it is simply impossible for a layman to be in compliance with the law. This court ought to recognize the same principle that parents lobbying CAS have made politically - the best interest of the child is served by keeping his parents.
9. The requirement to execute disclosure agreements with CAS has been harmful to Ken. CAS routinely approaches persons involved in Ken's care with misrepresentations requiring us to terminate relationships with them. The first letter of Dr Murphy, attached as Exhibit D to the affidavit of Kim James filed November 19, 1999, falsely reports that Ken has no toys. I took Dr Murphy a clear plastic bag filled with 200 liters of toys in the house at the time of the raid, though I could have filled three such bags. On all visits Ken's mood has changed from cheerful to taciturn immediately on meeting Dr Murphy. Linda Prosh, acting without the requirement of CAS took Ken to the Community First Centre, and later to the Women's Centre, but can now use neither because of the hostility resulting from contact with CAS. Friends at Hand-in-Hand daycare is unavailable to us for similar reasons. We also encountered a child psychologist who refused to help us because she will not get involved in litigation.
10. By moving to extend supervision, under circumstances where it can be extended yet again, CAS apparently intends to extend the supervision as long as possible. When Ken reaches college age, I will be 72 years old, making it likely that his higher education will be financed from savings rather than income. The unbounded drain of twenty thousand dollars a year for legal costs unrelated to his care and development could imperil his education.
11. During the original raid, CAS promised to leave our child in our home if we removed a crib from his room, but apprehended him anyway after we complied. In the courthouse negotiation for the consent of November 22, 1999, they promised to return Ken at the end of a two week observation period, but reneged by filing 36 pages of motion documents to retain custody. At the negotiation for the consent of January 19, 2000, they promised that the supervision would end six months from the apprehension on May 16, 2000 - time served was the operative phrase. Trish Cox in her own handwriting put May 16 as the expiry date on many of our consent forms. Still, CAS later insisted on July 19, 2000, a date that they now ask to extend. We have scrupulously complied with our consent agreements, while they have defied their agreements, both formal and informal, and acted contrary to the opinion of the court on the Child Abuse Register. We are requesting that the court for once compel CAS to respect their own agreement.
July 10, 2000
John Baird
Ministry of Community and Social Services
Office of the Minister
Hepburn Block Queens Park Toronto ON M7A 1E9
Dear Mr Baird:
This letter is in response to your letter of February 9, 2000 in which you declined to answer any questions about a matter before the courts. To help you find your own records, I enclose the first page of the email that I sent to David Tilson on November 26, 1999 while our child was still in custody, and your response.
Our son was seized by Children's Aid on November 16, 1999. On July 5, 2000 judge Allen dismissed the entire action, ending the court case. The damage has been severe because we have been compelled to incur legal expenses unrelated to our son's care of about $15,000, Can you now answer the questions raised in my original letter to David Tilson?
Robt T McQuaid
Robert T McQuaid
RR 5
Orangeville Ontario L9W 2Z2
phone: 519-942-0565
July 10, 2000
Dufferin Child and Family Services
50 Fourth Avenue Unit 13
Orangeville Ontario L9W 4P1
citation: |
Ontario Court of Justice at 10 Louisa Street, Orangeville Ontario court file number 180/99 | |
Applicant: | Children's Aid Society of Dufferin | |
Respondents: | Robert T McQuaid Linda Prosh |
Dear Sirs:
Under a recent court action against our family, cited above, you received consent from us to exchange information with various persons regarding our family. On July 5, 2000 Judge Allen dismissed the entire court action.
Please take notice that any authority from us under those consents is now canceled.
Robert T McQuaid
L Prosh
Robert T McQuaid
Linda Prosh
RR 5
Orangeville Ontario L9W 2Z2
(Eight letters were sent, each to just one of the addresses shown below. -RTMQ)
July 10, 2000
Deborah Launspach
Sandbox Tech Child Care
RR #8 Mono Mills
Orangeville, Ontario L9W 3T5
Ronald G Murphy
Medical Arts Bldg
15 Elizabeth Street Suite M 16
Orangeville Ontario L9W 5X5
Dr Diann Superina-Bell
Toronto Western Division
399 Bathurst St
Toronto Ontario M5T 2S8
Friends at Hand-in-Hand Day Care
70 First Street
Orangeville Ontario L9W 2E5
Kindrey Rowland
15 Elizabeth Street, Suite M-15
Orangeville, Ontario L9W 3Z3
Dr M Bakht
WILLIAM OSLER HEALTH CENTRE
Brampton Memorial Hospital Campus
20 Lynch Street
Brampton, Ontario L6W 2Z8
Dufferin Association for Community Living
14 Stewart Court Suite 100
Orangeville Ontario L9W 3Z9
Women's Resource Centre
c/o Orangeville Alliance Church
232 Broadway
Orangeville Ontario
Dear Mr/Dr etc:
Children's Aid started a legal action against our family in November 1999. Under that action we were required to authorize you to disclose information about us and our son Kenneth McQuaid to Dufferin Child and Family Services incorporated as the Children's Aid Society of the County of Dufferin.
On July 5, 2000, judge Allen dismissed the entire action unconditionally. Consequently, any authority you have from me or my wife Linda Prosh to exchange information with Children's Aid is now canceled.
Robt T McQuaid
Robert T McQuaid
RR 5
Orangeville Ontario L9W 2Z2
phone: 519-942-0565
email: robert.mcquaid@hurontario.net
July 12, 2000
Mr. R. McQuaid and Ms. L. Prosh
R.R. #5,
Orangeville, Ontario,
L9W 2Z2
Dear Mr. McQuaid and Ms. Prosh
Enclosed please find copies to letters sent the providers who had been involved with you and Kenneth.
Sincerely,
Trish Cox
Trish Cox, B Sc N, RN
Child Protection and Family Services Worker
Gary Putman BA MSW Executive Director 50 Fourth Ave Unit 13 Orangeville ON L9W 4P1 Child Protective Service | Tel 519-941-1530 Fax 519-941-1525 www.headwaters.com/dcafs/ dcafs@headwaters.com Developmental Support Service |
(There were eight letters enclosed, identical except for the addressees, all shown in the single copy below. -RTMQ)
July 12, 2000
Ms. Deborah Launspach
Sandbox Tech Child Care,
R.R. #8,
Mono Mills,
Orangeville, Ontario,
L9W 3T5
Ms. Mary Lynne Richardson,
Women's Resource Centre,
Alliance Church,
232 Broadway Avenue,
Orangeville, Ontario.
Nina Little Alcorn,
Parent Infant Program,
Dufferin Child and Family Services,
50 Fourth Avenue, Unit 13,
Orangeville Ontario,
L9W 4P1
Kindrey Rowland
Speech-Language Pathologist,
Orangeville Speech and Language Clinic,
15 Elizabeth St,
Suite M-15,
Orangeville, Ontario,
L9W 3X3
Wil Weiner,
162 Broadway,
Unit #5,
Orangeville, Ontario,
L9W 1K3
Dr. R. Murphy,
Paediatrician,
15 Elizabeth St.,
Orangeville, Ontario,
L9W 3X3
Dr. D. Superina-Bell,
Paediatric Consultant,
Child Health Unit,
Toronto Western Hospital,
University Health Network,
399 Bathurst St.,
3rd Floor,
Toronto, Ontario,
M5T 2F8
fax: 1-416-603-5180
Dr. M. Bakht,
Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist,
William Osler Health Centre,
Brampton Memorial Hospital Campus,
20 Lynch Street,
Brampton, Ontario,
L6W 2Z8
fax: 905-451-2690
Dear Mr/Ms etc:
Re: Kenneth McQuaid d.o.b. October 16, 1996
Please be advised that Kenneth McQuaid and his family are no longer involved with the Children's Aid Society under a Supervision Order.
In the future, if there are any further concerns for the physical, sexual or emotional well being of Kenneth or concerns related to neglect or a pattern of neglect, that may lead to any of the latter, please contact Dufferin Child and Family Services at 941-1530
Sincerely,
Trish Cox
Trish Cox, B.Sc.N., R.N.,Child Protection and Family Services Worker | Debbie Taylor
Debbie Taylor, B.A., B.S.W.Senior Program Manager |
c.c.
Mr. R. McQuaid
Ms. L. Prosh
Gary Putman BA MSW Executive Director 50 Fourth Ave Unit 13 Orangeville ON L9W 4P1 Child Protective Service | Tel 519-941-1530 Fax 519-941-1525 www.headwaters.com/dcafs/ dcafs@headwaters.com Developmental Support Service |
Ministry of Community and Social Services Office of the Minister Hepburn Block Queens Park Toronto ON M7A 1E9 (416)325-5226 |
Ministère des Services sociaux et communautaires Bureau du Ministre Édifice Hepburn Queens Park Toronto ON M7A 1E9 (416)325-5226 |
July 28, 2000
Mr. Robert T. McQuaid
RR 5
Orangeville, Ontario
L9W 2Z2
Dear Mr. McQuaid:
Thank you for your letter of July 10, 2000 concerning the children's aid society.
I have noted your concerns and appreciate the time you have taken to write about this matter. I have asked Mr Vince Tedesco, who is the Regional Director of our Central West Region, to review your letter and provide you with a more detailed response. You can expect a response within the next month.
Once again, thank you for writing.
Sincerely,
illegible
John Baird, MPP
Minister
c: Mr. Vince Tedesco
Ministry of |
Ministère des |
Tel (905) 897-3112
Fax (905) 896-0206 |
CENTRAL WEST REGION 1140 Burnhamthorpe Rd. W., Suite 212 Mississauga, ON L5C 4E9 |
Tel. (905) 897-3112 Fax. (905) 896-0206 |
August 10, 2000
Mr. Robert T. McQuaid
R.R. 5
Orangeville, ON L9W 2Z2
Dear Mr. McQuaid:
Thank you for your letter of July 10, 2000 regarding your concerns about the actions of the Children's Aid Society in Dufferin County and the impact of these actions on your family. The Honourable John Baird, Minister of Community and Social Services asked that I look into your concerns and to provide a more detailed response to you.
We acknowledge that the apprehension of a child is extremely distressing to families. As you may know, it is the legislated mandate of Children's Aid Societies, such as Dufferin Child and Family Services to determine if a child is in need of protection. It is the expectation of the Ministry of Community and Social Services that the societies give due consideration to reports and other relevant information that are received by them in carrying out their mandate. If the situation is severe and a child is in urgent need of protection, a Children's Aid Society may proceed to apprehend the child. Placement of the child outside the home may be for a short period of time during which the child's family has an opportunity to engage in activities that increase their capacity to care for the child. The child also may be given certain opportunities that enhance his or her growth and development. Not all apprehensions result in a child becoming a Crown Ward without access to the child by a parent.
If the parents have made attempts to deal with the problems in the family through counselling or other activities, and the child is no longer considered to be in need of protection, the child may be returned to his or her home. If the child is returned to the care of the parents, the judge may grant a supervision order for a period of time to ensure that the gains made continue. Once this is no longer required, the judge may terminate the supervision order and the case is closed. I am told that the judge dismissed the request of Dufferin Child and Family Services for an extension of the supervision order on July 5, 2000 as, in his opinion, it was no longer required.
If you continue to have concerns with the actions of the agency, there are procedures that Children's Aid Societies are required to have in place to hear complaints. Under the Child and Family Services Act, each Children's Aid Society (CAS) must have a formal complaint procedure. Individuals who are not satisfied with the services provided to them by the CAS may have their situation reviewed. The first step is to discuss the matter with the social worker who was involved with you, then the Supervisor, and if the matter remains unresolved, with the Executive Director. The fourth step is to request a hearing by the Board of Directors. If the situation remains unsettled at that point, then you may request a review by the Ministry of Community and Social Services under Section 68(3) of the Child and Family Services Act.
Should you have questions regarding the mandate of children's aid societies or the review process, please contact Kaye Rempel, Program Supervisor at 519-886-4222, ext 220.
Thank you for writing and sharing your concerns with the Ministry of Community and Social Services.
Sincerely,
Vince Tedesco
Vince Tedesco
Regional Director
0320 (08/99) | 7730-0320 |
Epilogue
Examination of this and other cases suggests that all CAS affidavits are the work of a single composer working from notes supplied by caseworkers. Nina Little Alcorn wrote her own memos candidly, all other caseworkers spoke through a composer skilled in journalistic smear without specific facts constituting libel. In this case, and every other one I have seen, CAS asserts that any child in its custody is showing signs of improvement, taking full credit. Disparaging his abilities at the start furthers the effect. Here they took credit for getting Ken interested in toilet training, though that was not done until eight months later, and Ken's speech improvements, though rapid improvement in his speech began a month before the raid, for example, the first correct use of a verb with an object.
We got onto the Child Abuse Register March 28, 2000, but new legislation, enacted by the Provincial Parliament in 1999 and awaiting proclamation during our case abolished it. Its replacement is a Canada-wide computer system containing a full record of all Children's Aid cases.
The remaining legacies of Ken's abduction are the permanent Children's Aid record, a large number of other parents met through the internet but excluded from the court record, and the ongoing effort, which I am now calling Dufferin VOCA, to get CAS to change its policies politically. In this effort, I am surprised by the silence of voices that ought to defend the family, such as the clergy.
In my previous career I have been a party to every kind of lawsuit from squabbles over rent cheques to a hundred million dollar tort action against my company. This litigation is for even larger stakes than a multi-million dollar suit, yet is conducted with less respect for the rights of the parties than a small-claims case.
Here are some facts withheld during the litigation for strategic reasons. During the year preceding the raid, Linda worked part-time outside the home, and I took care of Ken during the day. This accounts for Linda's ignorance about Ken's care during the raid. My story never got to court. The construction of heating vents in our home allows Ken and me to talk to each other while he is in his room and I am in my office, so he was not isolated even when locked in. In other cases where CAS finds bugs in a home, they ostentatiously report them. We had none.
A vital element to prevailing over CAS was the hardening of Linda's attitude. While she was dead-set against a court hearing in January, by June she was willing to do whatever it took to get rid of CAS, including newspaper publicity.
Glossary
The above was copied from her business card during the raid.
PRACTICE: In Orangeville since 1981, partner since 1991
EXPERIENCE: Mr. Thwaites' practice is as a litigation lawyer providing counsel in the areas of insurance law, employment law, Church discipline, family law and criminal law. He has provided counsel to numerous Church and para-Church organizations and to individuals in the Christian marketplace. He is counsel to the Children's Aid Society of the County of Dufferin. He has lectured at numerous seminars sponsored by the Law Society of Upper Canada, The Canadian Council of Christian Charities and the Canadian Bar Association and has contributed articles to the Church and the Law Update regularly on topics including Church Liability, Employment Law and Human Rights, as well as articles on Sexual Abuse and Liability Insurance for the Law Society and the Canadian Bar Association of Ontario. He is a member of Council for the Canadian Bar Association of Ontario, the Charity and Not-for-Profit Law Section of the Canadian Bar Association and the Christian Legal Fellowship.
EDUCATION: LL.B., University of Western Ontario, 1979
Call to Bar, 1981
Firm Profile
With a history dating back to 1896, Wardlaw, Mullin, Carter, Thwaites & Ward is a full service law firm located in Orangeville on the northwest perimeter of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
As the largest law firm in the region, the firm consists of five lawyers serviced by experienced staff. The staff and lawyers ensure that the firm is able to provide full legal services for our clients.
The firm is divided into the solicitor's practice with an emphasis on charities and not-for-profit organizations as well as corporate-commercial, real estate, estate law, intellectual property, and the litigation practice with its emphasis upon civil, family, employment and criminal litigation. Both the solicitors and barristers practice administrative and municipal law as well.
The firm is committed to being pro-active in working with clients to develop immediate and long term strategic plans to avoid legal problems before they occur. This is accomplished through an effective Legal Risk Management approach to the practice of law.
Posted by
Dufferin VOCA