Amid the ongoing trial of two women accused of the tragic death of a 12-year-old boy they sought to adopt, the former child advocate of Ontario emphasizes the importance of accountability for the Children’s Aid Society (CAS). Irwin Elman, who served as the independent watchdog until his office was closed in 2019, expressed skepticism about the likelihood of complete transparency from the CAS, characterizing the child protection system as notoriously secretive.
Brandy Cooney and Becky Hamber have entered not guilty pleas to charges of first-degree murder, confinement, assault with a weapon (zip ties), and neglecting to provide basic care for the boy’s younger brother. The trial, which commenced in mid-September at Milton Superior Court, resumed on Monday following Cooney’s testimony before the holiday recess.
The Indigenous siblings, under the care of Ottawa CAS, were relocated to Burlington to live with Cooney and Hamber in 2017. Halton CAS was responsible for their daily supervision until the older brother’s tragic demise and the removal of the younger brother from their guardianship in December 2022.
Responding to inquiries from CBC Hamilton, both Halton and Ottawa CAS confirmed conducting internal reviews following the incident, as well as undergoing external assessments and implementing recommended changes. Despite their commitment to improving child welfare, specific details of the reviews and subsequent alterations were not disclosed by the CAS agencies.
Justice Clayton Conlan presides over the trial of Hamber and Cooney, emphasizing that the CAS is not the subject of the trial. However, testimonies during the proceedings have raised serious questions about the selection of the adoptive parents, supervision protocols, and lack of intervention despite warning signs.
Reports received by Halton CAS from concerned individuals regarding the treatment of the boys by Hamber and Cooney were highlighted during the trial. Various professionals, including teachers and doctors, expressed worries about the boys’ well-being, but the CAS reportedly failed to conduct essential home visits or interviews as mandated.
Elman criticized the CAS for what he described as poor decision-making and non-compliance with established protocols, urging the organization to enhance transparency in its decision-making processes to regain public trust. Although no mandatory coroner’s inquest is mandated for the boy’s death, the family can request one, which would undergo a thorough process involving investigations and legal proceedings before being considered.
In response to the tragedy, the province initiated an audit of all CAS agencies in 2024, focusing on financial matters rather than systemic reforms, according to Elman. The Ottawa CAS acknowledged the necessity for improved collaboration among service providers and pledged to learn from the incident to implement substantial changes in child welfare practices.
If you need mental health support following these events, resources are available in your province or territory.