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Dinn Calls for an Independent Investigation into Predation in Group Homes


For Immediate Release

October 17, 2024


NDP Leader Jim Dinn (St. John’s Centre) is urging the Premier to set an independent investigation into the situation arising from reports of predation on vulnerable youths residing in the province’s group homes.

 

In a letter to the Premier, Dinn noted that October is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, and questioned if enough was being done to protect the children in care. Dinn says that Government has failed in its duty when a child in the province’s care is harmed.

 

“Our concerns around transparency in Child Youth Services (CYS) were heightened on October 9 when the Child Death Review Committee sent a report to the CYS requesting follow up on the 2019 Absenteeism report. The Child Youth Advocate office has released no investigative reports since 2021. This is a pronounced decrease in reporting,” Dinn wrote.

 

“Much can be learned from the experience of children who felt the impact of these types of tragedies. Government has the duty to respect and listen to them. We must learn from every child death, every serious injury, learn from tragic incidents so that we can improve our system and prevent injury from happening. A full investigation is warranted, and recommendations made public.”

 

A copy of the letter is attached.

 

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For further information, contact Stephanie Curran, Media and Communications Officer, NDP Caucus at 330-0328 (o), or stephaniecurran@gov.nl.ca  

 

October 15, 2024


Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier

Government of Newfoundland and Labrador

PO Box 8700

Confederation Building

St. John’s, NL A1B 4J6


Dear Premier,


I ask that you set an independent investigation into the situation arising from the reports of predation on the vulnerable youths residing in our province’s group homes. The public statements by informed parties, including a former Crown Prosecutor, beg the question: Is enough being done to protect children who have already been through so much?


Government has failed in its duty when a child in the province’s care is harmed. You must at this point commit to an independent investigation. This inquiry can make recommendations for changes to legislation, policy, standards, and practices. These could encompass delivery of community, health, financial services and justice, including the operation of government departments.


Our concerns around transparency in CYS were heightened on October 9 when the Child Death Review Committee sent a report to the CYS requesting follow up on the 2019 Absenteeism report. The CYA office has released no investigative reports since 2021.  This is a pronounced decrease in reporting.


Much can be learned from the experience of children who felt the impact of these types of tragedies. Government has the duty to respect and listen to them. We must learn from every child death, every serious injury, learn from tragic incidents so that we can improve our system and prevent injury from happening. A full investigation is warranted, and recommendations made public.


Considering that October is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, I look forward to your response before the end of the month.


Sincerely,

James Dinn, MHA

St. John’s Centre

Leader, NL NDP


cc. Paul Pike, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development




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