Child protection: Catch-22 all over again. Again and again… Part 2

The case of the “Minister of Community Services v J.C,” says Emma Halpern of the Elizabeth Fry Society, “shows all the gaps in our child protection supports and services.” There are a lot of them. Read Part 1 of this article here. PART 2 As of September 8th, I have had two one-hour supervised visits […]

Child protection: Catch-22 all over again. Again and again… Part 1

J.C. spent most of her growing up years “in the care of the minister.” They weren’t easy years, and she barely survived. She wanted better for her son, and she did everything authorities asked of her, and more. So why did Nova Scotia’s child welfare decide to take her child anyway? And what does what […]

When being poor equals poor parenting…

“There is a difference between parents who are poor, and poor parents. Ms. C and Mr. S are parents who are poor. The minister argues that they are poor parents and that their 20-month-old daughter, D, should be in the minister’s permanent care and custody. The minister says there is substantial risk of D’s […]

The judge and the child abuse registry case: common sense among the Catch-22s

(This column originally appeared in the Halifax Examiner April 10, 2017) During a week filled with chemical attacks and cruise missile strikes in Syria, and a government’s cynical, Saul-like conversion to compassion on the way to an election closer to home, we must savour any small spark of common sense where we can find it. […]