Child and Family Service authorities have expressed longstanding concerns regarding issues in the conduct of abuse investigations by child welfare agencies. Reports obtained by CBC News reveal that crucial witnesses were not being interviewed, putting criminal investigations at risk. The quarterly foster home reports, acquired through freedom of information laws, detail abuse investigations involving foster homes conducted by CFS agencies. These reports are then reviewed by Manitoba’s Child and Family Services provincial investigation unit.
The 67-page document outlines the number of abuse allegations investigated each quarter, accompanied by brief notes on the province’s findings. Government officials have repeatedly highlighted deficiencies in how CFS agencies handle child-abuse allegations within foster homes over the years. The reports, spanning from July 2021 to the end of 2024, disclose that the province’s CFS investigations unit reviewed 135 child-abuse investigations.
Specifically, in 2023, after reviewing seven child abuse investigations by Winnipeg, Rural, and Northern CFS, the reports indicated that the agency concluded investigations without interviewing alleged offenders. There was a lack of documentation to support follow-ups on concerns or ensuring every child was seen, affecting the integrity of the investigations. The documents do not specify the type of abuse investigated or provide detailed incidents.
Jamie Pfau, the president of the Manitoba Foster Parent Association, expressed disappointment at the findings, attributing such occurrences to the underfunded and unsupported state of the system. With over 8,900 children in care under CFS, the system’s challenges are apparent. Jay Rodgers, CEO of the Winnipeg, northern, and rural agency, acknowledged training issues among staff and mentioned a two-day abuse investigation training class developed for the agencies.
The spotlight on children-in-care intensified following a recent incident where a child in foster care was hospitalized in critical condition with life-altering injuries. Charges were laid against the foster mother and father, prompting reflections on the oversight of children in care. Sherry Gott, Manitoba’s advocate for children and youth, drew parallels to the tragic case of Phoenix Sinclair, emphasizing the need for due process in abuse allegations.
The report also scrutinized the Child and Family All Nations Emergency Co-ordinated Response Network (ANCR), uncovering lapses in best practices during abuse investigations. Delays in investigations, inadequate risk assessments, and procedural shortcomings were among the concerns highlighted. Despite challenges, efforts are being made to enhance the system, including introducing electronic reporting systems and providing training to agencies to ensure continuous improvement.