Affidavit of Michael Bear - Phoenix Sinclair Inquiry

egan. Not immediately but anxiety began to appear. Staff through July and
into August tried to provide support.
[92] One report indicated as follows:
"Tracia has recently disclosed sexual abuse perpetrated by her
older half brother and has been under extreme stress due to
concern of her family's reaction. According to placement staff,
Tracia was worried her family would think badly of her for
making the disclosure. She was feeling isolated because she
was not allowed to have regular contact with her family due to
the investimation. She started therapy again on Thursday,
August 18 to begin addressing issues and saw Irene Drabik of
MATC."
[93] From later evidence given, many thought that this disclosure and the
family reaction to it was the possible triggering
suicide.
event which led to the
[94] After hearing all testimony concerning the efforts of Project
Neecheewam one can only draw the conclusion that when presented with
Tracia and her myriad of problems, many long established, they tackled her
issues with love and care and through the appropriate usage of all the
resources at their disposal. It is tragically ironic that Tracia Owen should die
while in residence at a facility that was, for perhaps the first time, offering
the care she always needed.
[95] There are some concerns hearing the testimony from Project
Neecheewam. The absence of specific, detailed, confirmed documentation
concerning Tracia's history was the most obvious. Planning for treatment
and safety requirements for the victim, other residents and staff can only be
helped with as much detailed information as possible being provided. The
sooner this information is in the staff s hands the sooner they can assess the
situation in light of the information. The clearest example would be that staff
would not consider sending a resident back to a familial situation where
sexual abuse had been alleged. Imagine the possible ramifications if that
was done and a second allegation of sexual abuse was alleged because such
information was not in the hands of the decision-maker in a timely manner.
You may not keep the gas tank locked if you did not know a resident was a
chronic sniffer. It was testified that documentation has been better since the
incident and that is important to hear. Enough said.
[96] Secondly, it becomes clear there is a dearth of residential beds and
facilities such as Project Neecheewam to respond to the number of children
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