How Could You? Hall of Shame-Canada-Two Foster Children cases

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 Ontario, Canada,”Newfoundland and Labrador’s child and youth advocate says two children placed in foster care had their rights violated after procedures went unfollowed, allowing alleged abuse to go undetected.

According to a recently released report, Wilma MacInnis found the children — originally from an unnamed province in the report but later identified by the minister responsible as from Ontario — lived in N.L. for two years without proper oversight because required agreements were never finalized. Problems surrounding communication and monitoring of the children’s safety were also found, which resulted in their alleged abuse going unreported until 2023.”

“The report found the two children had been in care in Ontario since birth and were trying to find them a permanent home. A couple in N.L. had shown interest in adopting the pair and the province was asked to assess them. However, during the process the couple changed their minds repeatedly.”

“According to the report, the couple withdrew their application before coming back and withdrawing it again. This eventually led to the application being closed.

Even though the adoption process stopped, staff in the Ontario sent them to be fostered by the N.L. couple. Social services was meant to supervise the placement.

Typically, when a child in government care goes to another province, an interprovincial placement agreement (IPPA) is signed. However in this case the agreement was never completed. Adhering to that step, MacInnis said, is crucial.

“It sets out the roles and responsibilities of each province or territory when children are moving. That negotiation has to happen,” she said.”

“The report says there were 22 months where there was no contact between social workers and the children in the couple’s care. Because of this, warning signs were missed that could have indicated problems, said MacInnis.

Due to the lack of follow-up, Ontario decided to get involved to see where things were breaking down.

Eventually out-of-province social workers came and took the children for medical exams, which is when the children disclosed physical abuse.

MacInnis said they were immediately removed from the home and police became involved. Criminal charges of child maltreatment were laid. The report did not disclose the outcome of those charges.

“Our right is to keep them safe and protected… and make sure the placements are appropriate and provide the care,” said MacInnis.””

“Prior to the release of the advocate’s report, Wall said the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has already introduced a new interprovincial co-ordinator — a position dedicated to monitoring cross-border cases. He said there are 14 children and youth currently under the co-ordinator’s watch.”

Alleged abuse of kids in N.L. foster care went undetected due to ignored protocols, says report

[CBC 8/7/26 by Cameron Kilfoy]

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