"In his nearly 300-page decision released Tuesday, Justice Clayton Conlan also noted that the actions or inactions of the Children's Aid Society (CAS) had "zero to do" with the guilt or innocence of Hamber and Cooney, who'd been trying to adopt the boys for years. Still, multiple observers say, the case raises concerns about the child protection system and has showcased systemic issues that need to be addressed immediately."
"Saevil said she was frustrated with the children's aid societies responsible for overseeing the boys' care, accusing them of "not intervening [and] not supervising appropriately." Members of an Indigenous collective gathered outside the Halton Children's Aid Society building to call for changes to protect Indigenous children."
"His brother, J.L., now 14, testified at the trial that began in mid-September about the abuse the two endured. L.L. died on Dec. 21, 2022, after he was found unresponsive and emaciated in the basement bedroom of the family home."
A Burlington, Ontario couple, Becky Hamber and Brandy Cooney, were found guilty of murder and other charges involving two brothers in their care. Justice Clayton Conlan's decision emphasized their personal culpability while noting that Children's Aid Society actions had no bearing on guilt. However, observers and Indigenous advocacy groups highlight significant systemic failures in child protection. The older boy died in December 2022 after being found emaciated in a basement bedroom. His younger brother testified about sustained abuse. Indigenous advocates, including members of Circle of Beads, are calling for immediate systemic reforms and better accountability from children's aid societies responsible for oversight and supervision of vulnerable children.
#child-protection-system-failures #indigenous-child-advocacy #criminal-justice #systemic-accountability
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