SQLFusion - AM 1220 inquiry coverage of 27 February 2009

Morale Among Foster Parents Is Low - Allinotte

Local News – AM 1220

February 27, 2009 — Morale among foster parents in Cornwall is at an all time low. Lawyers for the local Children's Aid Society say the agency is having a tough time due to allegations made at the Cornwall Public Inquiry. Michele Allinotte says the agency has 110 foster families but it needs at least 200. Allinotte told the commission, the CAS has to enhance its public image. (Hear audio clip below) Some inquiry witnesses alleged they were abused while in CAS care over the past 50 years.

[Transcript of audio clip: “negative publicity has had a major impact on the CAS in terms of staffing and recruitment of foster parents and volunteers.

“Morale among the existing foster parents is at an all time low

“Foster parents have a difficult task, which is being made more difficult by the scrutiny they have had during the past few years because of allegations made at the inquiry. But there is also the negative publicity. Many foster parents believe they have a negative image.”]

Men's Project Concerned That Economy Will Hurt Healing - Inquiry

Local News – AM 1220

February 27, 2009 — There is concern the current economic downturn may hurt the Cornwall Public Inquiry. Lawyers for the Men's Project gave the commission a number of recommendations to deal with child sex abuse. But, David Bennett fears the province will have no money to implement change due to the current economy. Bennett says communities will suffer if the province fails to provide funding. (Hear audio clip below) Bennett says if this "horrendous" experience prevents one case of abuse or helps at least one victim, the inquiry was worth it. The Men's Project is the only sexual abuse treatment centre for men in Ontario that is funded by the province and it provides services in Cornwall and Ottawa. Commissioner Normand Glaude has until the end of July to submit his final report.

[Transcript of audio clip: “Social costs are dollar costs. ….So, finally, I would like to say the impact of leaving such issues untreated in this generation maintains an intergenerational cycle of violence which will cost more, both financially and misery to our children’s generation.”]

Cornwall Police Chief Apologizes For Investigation Shortcomings - Inquiry

Local News – AM 1220

February 27, 2009 — Cornwall's top police officer has apologized for investigation shortfalls when dealing with child sex abuse of the past. A lawyer for the force spoke on behalf of Cornwall Police Chief Dan Parkinson today at the Cornwall Public Inquiry during final submissions on healing and reconciliation. Parkinson was in the gallery but the commission only allowed counsel to address Commissioner Normand Glaude. John Callaghan read an apology letter from Parkinson. To hear a portion of that statement, click on the audio clip below. Callaghan says the Cornwall Police Service is committed to reducing child sex abuse.

[Transcript of audio clip: “I regret any failings or mistakes that were made by any of our police officers in investigating your cases……. I deeply regret if our police officers did not provide an environment in which you felt supported and empowered.”]

Public Institutions Need To Apologize And Take Responsibility: Lee

Local News – AM 1220

February 27, 2009 — Denial of child sex abuse will not improve the image of Cornwall according to a local citizens group. Citizens for Community Renewal says looking at past mistakes is never easy but it is the only way to move forward. Lawyers at the Cornwall Public Inquiry have made their final submissions for healing and reconciliation, more commonly known as Phase 2. A number of parties including Victims' Group lawyer Dallas Lee believe Cornwall will not heal until public institutions take responsibility for their actions and make apologies. (Hear audio clip below) Lawyers also urged the Commissioner to provide recommendations that would see more public awareness about child sex abuse. Commissioner Normand Glaude must submit his final report by July.

[Transcript of audio clip: “to institutions in Cornwall that they take a good, long look in the mirror and that where they see mistakes and where they see hurt, that they apologise sincerely and specifically for that.”]

Cornwall Conspiracy Theory Won't Die - Callaghan

Local News – AM 1220

February 27, 2009 — The conspiracy theory will live on when it comes to child sex abuse in Cornwall, according to a lawyer for the Cornwall Police Service. John Callaghan says the evidence before the Cornwall Public Inquiry shows there was no conspiracy to cover-up child sex abuse and he contends that former city police officer Perry Dunlop is responsible for the "swirl of rumour and innuendo" that has circled Cornwall for the past 15 years. But Callaghan told the Commissioner the conspiracy theory will never die. (Hear audio clip below) Callaghan wants the Commissioner's final report to expose the lies and restore the reputations of those who were "thrown to the wolves". All parties will make final submissions today on healing and reconciliation. Hearings begin at 9:30am.

[Transcript of audio clip: “Long after you leave town the bloggers, the gossip hounds will continue to gather behind some grassy knoll in Cornwall and tell of a conspiracy in Cornwall.”]