Death of foster care baby raises child-welfare questions

The death of another child in foster care has renewed fears of a failing child welfare system in Manitoba.

RCMP are treating the death of Cameron Ouskan, who lived with a foster family in Gillam, Man., as a homicide. Police still haven't said how the 13-month-old boy died last Thursday, or if there are any suspects.

The small northern community of Fox Lake Cree Nation is devastated by the loss of the boy who died while in foster care.

Cameron Ouskan was in the care of the Awasis Agency, an aboriginal child and family services agency.

Since 1997, according to Manitoba Child and Family Services, 48 children who received care through the child welfare system have died as a result of homicide.

Bonnie Mitchelson, Conservative child and family services critic, said she worries the NDP government of Premier Gary Doer has set up child welfare agencies to fail.

"We've had concerns and review after review has indicated that there's a lack of training … that standards aren't being followed and I guess we have lots of questions," Mitchelson said.

The death last week comes following a major review of Manitoba's child welfare system which was prompted by the 2005 death of Phoenix Sinclair, 5. Her parents are currently on trial after pleading not guilty to charges of first-degree murder.

Marie Lands, interim head of the Awasis Agency, said she is deeply grieved over the news of yet another aboriginal child who has died while in foster care.

Lands said the death is under investigation by the RCMP, the province and the child-welfare agency itself.

"I can't say the child has fallen through any crack at this point in time. We haven't any real investigation that informs us of that," Land said.

Lands said she would support a review of devolution — the process of transferring child welfare services to aboriginal authorities.

She said a review of the system would be a good idea as long as it includes a review of stretched resources.

"I think it needs to be reviewed in terms of resources. In particular, for the north, as you know we have a lot of extensive ground to cover," she said. "They have quite a bit more travel to do than the city."

The Fox Lake Cree First Nation issued a written statement Monday, saying that while the loss affects everyone, "we are asking members of the community to refrain from speculation which could make this very sad situation worse."

Gillam RCMP are heading the investigation with members of the Winnipeg and Thompson major crimes unit.