News
April 29th 2010
Today: I attended court in Perth to speak with families involved in child protection matters with the CAS in our region. ( CAS court is always on Thursdays.) Once again; I was appalled by the number of families under CAS scrutiny, the lack of organization at the court house, the ineffective legal representation ( lawyers showing up 30 seconds-5 minutes before a court appearance having not spoken with the family prior to the current appearance, remands,remands,remands,...)
I have been in contact with Vernon Beck-Canada Court Watch-who deals
with CAS matters on a daily basis. For the better part of 15 years
he has been a journalist. He had some very interesting ideas and
felt that I was on the right path to accomplishing my goals of
providing advocacy/support to families involved with CAS whilst also
addressing the need for CAS accountability and transparency through
implementation of Bill 93.
I have tried to convince W5 to meet with me to discuss CAS matters
and have not received a positive response. I feel that the greatest
strength that we hold is education and that "people" need to be
aware of the true nature of the conduct of the CAS. The fabric of
families torn to shreds, long lasting emotional/psychological
ramifications, expensive and often unnecessary court involvement,
sexual and physical abuse in group homes (long documented), the
criminalization of youth in CAS group homes,... The list is endless:
Now the Society is intending to implement posting the
photos/biographies of children available for adoption?? As though
advertising for foster-parents in local newspapers wasn't indicative
enough that we are experiencing an epidemic where the removal of
children by CAS is concerned?? Surely there is a far more effective
recourse in the long term than to separate families,...
That being said: Please encourage any contacts you establish to contact me regarding the efforts being made here in our area. We can network, share resources and statistics, organize a rally etc.
I hope that we can join resources in future endeavours,
