Contrition

Darcey French, left, is chair of Highland Shores Children’s Aid and the Children’s Aid Society of Prince Edward. Mark Kartusch, right, is executive director of both agencies.

CAS apologizes to children harmed while in its care

For some it may come as thin solace, but for many still struggling to understand what happened within the walls of the local CAS that allowed children to fall prey to sexual predators over a period of years, it may be a beginning. It is the first outward sign the agency understands how badly its credibility has been eroded over the past year as charges, convictions and prison sentences have piled up against foster parents entrusted with caring for the most vulnerable children in this community.

“I want to apologize to the children who experienced harm at the hands of their foster parents, but also to the community who trusted in us to keep them safe and protected,” said Mark Kartusch, the executive director of Highland Shores Children’s Aid and the newly appointed head of the Prince Edward County Children’s Aid Society. “I recognize the breach of trust felt by these young people who relied on the Society to keep them safe, and the devastating impact these events have had on their lives. I also recognize the concerns of community members who rely on the Society to make a positive difference in the lives of children and families in this County.

“The Society, the Board of Directors and the Ministry all play an important role in keeping children protected,” continued Kartusch. “In the case of these young people, that didn’t happen and for that we are deeply sorry.”

Kartusch says the issues at the local CAS won’t be “swept under the rug.”

“I am accountable,”said Kartusch.

He says that over the past few months, Ministry officials and consultants have been sifting through the operations of the local CAS, examining procedures, roles and functions and training in an attempt to understand what went wrong and take corrective measures.

In briefing media on Friday, Kartusch only referred to what he described as a breakdown in communication between departments, adding that several concrete changes have already been made. He noted too that staff at the local CAS are as devastated with what has happened as the broader community.

“They want to do good work,” said Kartusch.

Neither is board Chair Darcey French shrinking from the tough road that lies ahead for this agency.

“This Board has inherited some difficult challenges,” said French, “however we all understand our responsibility to acknowledge and accept what has happened and take ownership to do the work that is necessary to steer the organization on a steady course for the future.”

French says it will take time for the full picture of the challenges at the local CAS to be fully revealed, but insists the board is asking the necessary questions and won’t be satisfied until the answers are supplied.

PICTON OFFICE TO STAY
Kartusch insisted the Picton offices would stay put even after the Picton agency was fully amalgamated into Highland Shores, expected by the end of next year or the beginning of 2014.

“We are not going to move away,” assured Kartusch. Provincial funding for CAS agencies is weighted to the number of children in its care. County demographics, however, reveal one of the steepest declines in the number of children in care in the province, putting a squeeze on future finances.

Kartusch says the benefits of amalgamation will be realized in a broader array of resources and expertise to families, and training and professional development for staff. To the extent savings are realized due to efficiency, he pledged those savings would be redirected toward programs and services in this agency.

FOSTER FAMILIES SEEK RELIEF
Kartusch noted too that foster families in this community are growing weary of living under a cloud. He met with some County foster families last week. “They wanted to know from us what we will do to restore their reputations in this community,” said Kartusch. “They are deeply worried the actions of a few have tarnished everyone who opens their homes to care for foster children.”

French said the board appreciates the high level of dedication he has experienced among foster families in this community.

“There is goodness here,” said French.

Both Kartusch and French said the agency will do a better job of reaching out to the community and sharing the news, good and bad.

“Darcey and I are personally committed to making this journey forward as transparent as possible,” said Kartusch. “We can’t make progress and be effective without the community being involved. I want to hear your suggestions. I want to hear how you think we can improve and when you think we’ve got it right. I look forward to working together to provide the best possible service to the children and families of this community.”