Mental Illness Treatment Services for Children (April 12)
Mr. Chase: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. On Monday of last week a 15-year-old girl refused to get back in her temporary caseworker’s car after she left her group home to go for a coffee.
On Friday her father, having received tips as to the whereabouts of his daughter, contacted the child crisis unit but was told to call back after shift change. Last night I learned that the girl had been assaulted and left unconscious, so I, too, contacted the crisis unit and was told that she was in care but AWOL. To the Minister of Children and Youth Services: please explain how a teenager can be considered in care and AWOL at the same time.
Mrs. Fritz: Well, Mr. Speaker, I met with the individual’s family that this member has brought forward to the Assembly today, and I can tell you that I had very experienced staff at that meeting, that there’s experienced staff from Health and Wellness there as well, and that our staff continue to work very, very closely with this family on a daily basis. But what I am concerned about is that you could pick up the phone and have private information given to you regarding this individual and their whereabouts, so I will look into that.
The Speaker: The hon. member.
Mr. Chase: Thank you. How is it in this or any other teenager’s “best interests†to be abandoned by Children and Youth Services to the streets?
Mrs. Fritz: As I indicated to you, Mr. Speaker, our staff are working very, very closely with the individual that this member has brought forward today. They’re paying very close attention. A lot of resources have gone into the situation, and we have very experienced staff, not just at the caseworker level but at a very high level, working with this individual, and it will continue as that family does need our assistance.
Mr. Chase: Simple question, Mr. Speaker. Where is she now? Is she protected?
Mrs. Fritz: That really is none of this member’s business at all, Mr. Speaker. Enough said. We are on top of this, and it’s none of your business.
Alberta Hansard, April 12, 2011