Family warned mentally disabled BC girl was at risk
Posted November 12, 2010 5:00 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
CHILLIWACK (NEWS1130) – BC’s Children’s Ministry is on the defensive after a mentally disabled 15-year-old girl spent nine days alone with her dead mother’s body in Chilliwack despite warnings from family and neighbours that the girl was at risk.
In a written statement, BC Children’s Minister Mary Polak is calling the situation tragic, but warns the public not to jump to any conclusions without all the facts.
BC’s children’s advocate will be investigating the case. Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond says she’s shocked the mentally ill girl was left to fend for herself while her mother lay dead on the floor of their home. The girl, who has Down syndrome, was starving and dehydrated when neighbours finally broke into the home to investigate. She is now in the care of the province.
Turpel-Lafond says there were several complaints on file from neighbours and family members who say the mother was a drug addict and alcoholic who neglected and verbally abused the girl. “Of course, when you are deal with a developmentally disabled adolescent, the capacity of that caregiver to meet their need is an important issue.”
Polak says a complaints consultant reviewed the case, interviewed staff, and sent a written letter to the girl’s family.
