SQLFusion - Deep regrets offered by CAS to victims

'Deep regrets' offered by CAS to victims

Cornwall Standard Freeholder

26 February 2009

Posted By TREVOR PRITCHARD

The Children's Aid Society offered its "deep regrets" Wednesday to any former foster children who were harmed while in the agency's care.

CAS lawyer Michele Allinotte told the Cornwall Public Inquiry the agency's local branch had "shortcomings" but maintained its policies had evolved greatly since the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s.

"We acknowledge that the CAS did, at times, fail to respond appropriately to certain matters addressed here at the inquiry," said Allinotte.

Yesterday was the third day of final submissions at the inquiry, which has been examining how institutions responded to allegations of historical sexual abuse.

Multiple witnesses testified at the inquiry about the systemic physical, sexual, and emotional abuse they experienced at Cornwall-area group homes and foster homes over the past four decades, as well as problems they had gaining access to their personal records.

While some of the CAS's practices in the past were "deeply flawed, even shocking and ignorant," Allinotte said the inquiry must consider whether its response was appropriate given what society's standards were at the time.

"We thought (decades ago) it was reasonable and acceptable to punish children in school by hitting them on the hand with a leather strap," said Allinotte.

"As we all know, there were many things done - or not done - in the past that, when we look at them today, seem illogical and primitive."

Allinotte pointed out there were no minimum educational or training requirements for child protection workers in the 1970s.

As well, staffing levels at the local CAS branch were extremely low at that time compared to what they are today, she said.

"The CAS of a generation ago cannot be judged by the CAS of today's standards," Allinotte said.

Her co-counsel, Peter Chisholm, spoke about a number of specific cases that had come under the inquiry's microscope during the previous three years.

Chisholm acknowledged the agency lacked proper standards and was often "left to (its) own devices" when faced with allegations of abuse.

But he maintained the local CAS today is an institution the "public can have confidence in."

"It's clear from the evidence that over the years (Cornwall) has had the good fortune of being served by a number of dedicated CAS professionals," said Chisholm.

Article ID# 1452309
Comments on this Article.

I am not so sure that the public has faith in CAS and its workers, it sure is easy to say that in the 60's 70's 80's that the workers did not have the proper training and that today they are well trained, if so why still do they not respond in there words "appropriately" to there clients when they are dealing with them. No they still have a long way to go to get the public's confidence

Reply | Report | Page Top Post #1 By rkake

My plight with them was not so long ago in the last 5 years and they sure have not changed much all though they like to portray that they have. And pray tell what training do they need to do their job. One of them should be common sense of courese you can't teach that you either have it or you don't. Also they need to remove burned out workers from the line of duty because they make very poor judgements and when they do their friends tend to back them up out of sympathy.

Reply | Report | Page Top Post #2 By dodger,

It's true the burned out workers are making poor judgements, however the fresh out of college workers with absolutely no experience with children are worse. I believe every worker should be a foster parent for at least one year before they become protection workers. In the "new workers eyes" the child can do no wrong. In one case the foster parent found out the child broke into a neighbours house and robbed them, the foster parent called the police. The child's worker said it was wrong to call the police and issued a complaint against the foster parent. Yes CAS has a long way to go before the public respects and trusts them.

Reply | Report | Page Top Post #3 By oldsenior

Reply | Report | Page Top Post #4 By oldsenior,

And what qualifies them to be a proper foster parent seriously.

Reply | Report | Page Top Post #5 By dodger,

But didn't the lawyer for the church say that basically the rumours of kids being abused was a "figment of our imaginations?" How can that be if """The Children's Aid Society offered its "deep regrets" Wednesday to any former foster children who were harmed while in the agency's care.""" And then there is this gem """Multiple witnesses testified at the inquiry about the systemic physical, sexual, and emotional abuse they experienced at Cornwall-area group homes and foster homes over the past four decades, as well as problems they had gaining access to their personal records.""" Just who is telling the truth or what?

Reply | Report | Page Top Post #6 By booga-booga,