CHILDREN'S ADVOCATE ROLE IN CHILD DEATH REVIEW

Released on September 24, 1997

Deaths of children have dominated the media in the past two weeks.

These tragic deaths have once more brought to our attention the

responsibilities we all have to ensure that children, our most

vulnerable citizens, are valued and protected.



The tragic death of nineteen-month-old Karen Rose Quill has resulted

in calls from the public for a formal review of her death as well as a

review of the foster care system. The referral of the case to the

Children's Advocate is an important step to ensure that the child and

the issues facing children in foster care remain central to the review

process.



It must be emphasized that the Children's Advocate independently acts

on her own authority as outlined in The Ombudsman and Children's

Advocate Act. This legislative authority provides that the Children's

Advocate, at both case and systemic levels, shall review and

investigate any matter that comes to her attention, from any source,

concerning the well being of children, and specifically those children

receiving services from any department or agency of government.



The Minister of Social Services' referral of this child's death to the

Children's Advocate is consistent with the legislation.



"I welcome the referral from the Minister and have been assured

of the co-operation of the department in the review of this

case," stated Dr. Parker-Loewen. "I anticipate receiving the

internal departmental review within four weeks and will begin our

external review at that time."



Results of this external review will provide information which

may be incorporated into a broader independent review of the

foster care system by the Children's Advocate. Any resulting

recommendations regarding systemic or individual issues will be

presented for the consideration of government.



The Child Death Review Committee, formed in December, 1996, may

assist the Children's Advocate in formulating recommendations and

strategies. This is an advisory committee comprised of various

government officials, First Nations representatives, non-government agencies, the Chief Coroner, and chaired by the

Children's Advocate.



It is unfortunate that it is a tragedy such as this that brings

increased public attention to the issues facing our children.

The Children's Advocate hopes that the family and the public will

be reassured knowing that all efforts will be made to understand

the events and processes that resulted in the death of

Karen Rose Quill.



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For more information, contact:



Dr. Deborah Parker-Loewen

Children's Advocate

Saskatoon

Phone: (306) 933-6700

Fax: (306) 933-8406