Affidavit of Michael Bear - Phoenix Sinclair Inquiry

[111]Written plans on file can assist in providing stability and permanency
for the child and if the plan is not working then the plan can be re-evaluated
(Recommendation Three).
[112] Ms Abraham reviewed the standards in her testimony and commented
candidly on where she thought inadequacies were present. I believe most of
the standards although specific are largely based on common sense—
assessment, planning process, written plan, safety plan, service provision
decisions, contact with family, ensuring services are provided, evaluation,
monitoring, progress reviews.
[113]Ms Abraham was aware and conceded many of the points raised in
Strengthen the Commitment, an External Review of the Child Welfare
System (Exhibit 49) having to do with inadequate resources in remote areas,
the application of the Child Welfare standards in the context of such
environments, issues unique to aboriginal families, the importance of family,
extended family and community, the lack of options with respect to
placement and the existence of severe social problems.
[114] Even in this context, Ms Abraham felt there was no evidence of
sustained changes by her family that would point towards permanency for
Tracia in the family home. The addiction issue for the parents was a
constant struggle and although it was hoped to keep Tracia in the community
and that the parents would be successful in attaining sobriety and thus
function as parents appropriately this was not occurring. The question
became how many chances do the parents get before the adverse effect of
affects the safety of Tracia. When does the desired goal of
their behaviour
keeping the family together change to protect the child. Obviously she
wanted to stay with her family and felt responsible for them but the issues of
family violence, victimization, substance abuse were too much.
[115] The lack of pre-placement visits was another issue raised
(Recommendation Four). It was noted such visits are for the agency to let
their expectations be known to the family caring for the child and to smooth
the transition for the child.
[116] Some of the concerns raised may not be valid but there was no
documentation or written record to confirm what was or was not done. The
most obvious example is the incident where Tracia was allowed to return
home over Christmas and yet there is no confirmation of her being
monitored. No one knows for sure. In my view, for a child of her age with
substance abuse problems, someone should have known and such
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