In the final stages of the trial involving two women accused of causing the death of a 12-year-old boy they sought to adopt, Ontario’s former child advocate, Irwin Elman, emphasized the importance of accountability for the Children’s Aid Society (CAS). Elman, who served as an independent watchdog until his office was closed in 2019, highlighted the challenges of achieving transparency within the child protection system, citing a culture of secrecy and non-disclosure.
Brandy Cooney and Becky Hamber have entered not guilty pleas to charges of first-degree murder, confinement, assault with zip ties, and failure to provide for the boy’s younger brother. The trial, which commenced in mid-September at Milton Superior Court, resumed Monday following Cooney’s testimony in mid-December.
The tragic incident unfolded after the Indigenous brothers were relocated to live with Cooney and Hamber in Burlington in 2017, under the supervision of Ottawa CAS. The older brother’s demise and the subsequent removal of the younger brother from their care in December 2022 raised serious concerns about the CAS’s oversight.
Both Halton and Ottawa children’s aid societies affirmed conducting internal child death reviews and implementing recommended changes following the incident. However, specific details and outcomes of these reviews were not disclosed.
Despite the ongoing trial of Cooney and Hamber, the focus has shifted to the CAS’s decision-making processes leading up to the adoption and subsequent events. Allegations of neglect and red flags concerning the boys’ welfare were reportedly raised by concerned individuals, including teachers and therapists, underscoring systemic failures in the adoption process.
While the death of the boy does not trigger a mandatory coroner’s inquest, calls for transparency and accountability within the CAS persist. The recent audit of CAS agencies by the province, primarily focusing on financial aspects, has sparked discussions about the need for broader systemic reforms to safeguard the well-being of children under their care.
Moving forward, the public scrutiny surrounding this case underscores the imperative for enhanced collaboration and coordination among service providers to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The Ottawa CAS stressed its commitment to learning from the incident and implementing substantive changes to ensure the safety and welfare of children and youth.