NDP leader Jim Dinn is calling for an independent review into what he’s describing as predatory activity toward vulnerable young people living in group homes.
Dinn has written a letter to Premier Andrew Furey asking that he set the review in motion.
He says public statements by “informed parties”, including one by a former Crown prosecutor, are begging the question “is enough being done to protect children who have already been through so much?”
Dinn says his concerns were heightened on October 9 when the Child Death Review Committee sent a report to Child Youth Services requesting a follow-up on the 2019 Absenteeism Report.
He says the Child and Youth Advocate has not released any investigative reports since 2021, which is a “pronounced decrease in reporting.”
Dinn asserts that government has “failed in its duty when a child in the province’s care is harmed.”
He says an independent investigation would recommend changes to legislation, policy, standards, and practices.
This is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, Dinn wants a response from the Premier by the end of the month.