In the final stages of the trial involving two women accused of the tragic death of a 12-year-old boy under their care, Ontario’s former child advocate, Irwin Elman, emphasized the importance of accountability within the Children’s Aid Society (CAS). Elman, who served as an independent watchdog until his office was closed in 2019, highlighted the challenge of obtaining full transparency from the CAS due to the closed nature of the child protection system.
Brandy Cooney and Becky Hamber, the defendants in the trial, have denied charges of first-degree murder, confinement, assault using zip ties, and neglecting the basic needs of the deceased boy’s younger brother. The trial, which commenced in mid-September at Milton Superior Court, recently saw Cooney concluding her testimony before the holiday recess, with Hamber slated as the defense’s final witness.
The tragic incident involved Indigenous brothers who were relocated from Ottawa to live with Cooney and Hamber in Burlington in 2017 under the Ottawa CAS’s supervision. Following the elder brother’s death and the removal of the younger sibling from the couple’s care in December 2022, concerns regarding the supervision and decision-making by the Halton CAS have surfaced.
Both Halton and Ottawa children’s aid societies have conducted internal child death reviews and undergone external assessments to implement recommended changes. However, specific details of these reviews and the subsequent modifications remain undisclosed. Despite asserting cooperation with law enforcement and relevant authorities, serious questions have emerged regarding the CAS’s selection process for adoptive parents and its response to warning signs.
Reports indicate that numerous red flags, including concerns raised by educators and healthcare professionals, were not adequately addressed by the CAS. Testimony has revealed a series of lapses in following protocols and judgment errors by CAS workers and managers, underscoring the need for increased transparency and accountability within the child welfare system.
While the circumstances surrounding the boy’s death do not trigger a mandatory coroner’s inquest, ongoing scrutiny of CAS agencies is underway following past incidents of neglect and failure to act on reported concerns. The need for systemic reforms and improved collaboration among service providers has been acknowledged, with a focus on prioritizing the safety and well-being of children and youth under CAS supervision.
Efforts to enhance accountability and prevent future tragedies within the child welfare system remain ongoing, with calls for greater transparency and systemic changes to safeguard vulnerable children and families.