How Could You? Hall of Shame-Canada-John Bennett et al.

This will be an archive of heinous actions by those involved in child welfare, foster care and adoption. We forewarn you that these are deeply disturbing stories that may involve sex abuse, murder, kidnapping and other horrendous actions.

From Winnipeg, Canada, “the operators of a private, for-profit foster-care provider were in court Monday, facing criminal charges for allegedly giving cannabis to youth in its care.

John Bennett, 56, Christine Ormiston, 37, Ian Rabb, 59, and Kelli Register, 55, the owners of Spirit Rising House, were charged with distributing illicit cannabis and providing cannabis to a young person, court records show.

In February, the province’s families department was made aware of allegations Spirit Rising House staff was giving cannabis to youth who were in its care.

The Winnipeg Police Service, Manitoba Advocate for Children and Youth and licensee Southeast Child and Family Services were all informed of the revelations. At the time, Winnipeg police confirmed its child abuse unit was investigating.

After hearing the allegations, the province severed ties with the company and launched a review of Spirit Rising House and other providers.

The department also issued a compliance order for Spirit Rising House to cease its cannabis distribution and advised child-welfare authorities and agencies not to place other youth there.

Register confirmed the charges and court appearance Monday but declined to comment further, saying her lawyers advised her not to speak with media about the case.

In May, Spirit Rising House released a 16-page document defending itself against the allegations, claiming there is “secret and implied consent” in the child-welfare system for youth in foster-care placements to use cannabis, alcohol and hard drugs.

“As long as the youth are off property and sourcing the illicit substances for themselves at great personal peril, government, guardians, systems and caregivers can comfortably look the other way,” the report said.

In its report, the business blamed a social media post by a “disgruntled former worker” that led to “negative media attention, political manoeuvring, and an investigation.””

 

Owners of foster home charged with giving pot to youth

[Winnipeg Free Press 9/16/24 by Nicole Buffie]

 

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