Affidavit of Michael Bear - Phoenix Sinclair Inquiry

making the appropriate placement. If the placement desk is not aware of
certain factors that may be important, the decision process is being made in a
vacuum and the proper emphasis might not be made. This would
particularly be true if one or more of the risk factors has not been indicated.
For example, if there is a history of suicide attempts the staff's knowledge of
this would make them extra vigilant.
[76] Now it must be said that due to the lack of residential facilities
available and the lack of specialization in them, most facilities and their staff
are more generic in their approach and are prepared for most eventualities.
But surely forewarned should be forearmed and such information would be
of assistance. As Ms Cox testified:
"I believe that having all of the information will always help an
individual to make the best assessment of a child and their
needs."
[77] Surely the best assessment is the ultimate goal and I think it was
beyond dispute more information and better detailed information should be
the standard rule and not the exception.
[78] I accept the testimony that on the basis of the knowledge of the
placement
desk, a secure facility was not the best choice. Upon the evidence
presented the placement at Project Neecheewam was the appropriate choice
and I believe it would still have been the best choice even if all information
that was subsequently revealed would have been in their hands. Ms Cox
conceded as much in that many of the facts subsequently revealed to her,
still could have been managed, in her view by Project Neecheewam. Her
options were limited in any event. There being few so-called secure
facilities and in most cases a long waiting list to get in. One also has to take
into account many of the most dangerous activities participated in by Tracia,
such as sexual exploitation on the streets and cocaine usage had not
participated in by Tracia at the time the Placement Desk was making a
decision concerning her placement.
[79] The decision-makers were of the view supported by their experience
and by the information they had received, Tracia required a community
facility (specialized foster home) offering a stable, secure, home-like
atmosphere where she could stabilize by developing a trusting, supportive
relationship with the staff in order to meet her needs.
[80] And despite the lack of information which should have been provided
in order to assist the placement desk in matching the child to the right
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