WINNIPEG — Manitoba’s Minister of Families, Nahanni Fontaine, has announced an internal investigation into the Child and Family Services (CFS) system following the severe injury of a six-year-old girl who was in foster care.
The young girl was allegedly subjected to brutal abuse by her foster mother, according to police records. These records indicate the child suffered life-threatening injuries, including a broken collarbone, a fractured sternum, and internal bruising, with police noting a risk that she may lose mobility.
The internal inquiry has been launched to determine the systemic failures within the CFS system that allowed this tragedy to occur.
Police have arrested the foster mother on charges related to the abuse and the foster father for neglecting to provide necessary medical treatment to the child. Authorities also suspect that two other children who were in the couple’s care may have been subjected to similar abuse.
The investigation panel is mandated to review, among other factors, the critical need to address the shortage of social workers, which is considered vital for ensuring the protection and rights of children within the care system.
