A special report into the beating death of a 6-year-old boy by another child on a Saskatchewan First Nation last summer reveals a number of errors in how the provincial government handled a brewing situation prior to the tragedy.
The “Two tragedies, Holding systems accountable” report was written by Saskatchewan’s Children’s Advocate Bob Pringle.
In the report, Pringle makes a damning assessment of how the Department of Social Services handled related files prior to the beating death.
“What were the outcomes for these young people, well the outcomes were disastrous,” he says. “It was a train wreck and you could see it coming.”
The 48-page report examines the circumstances surrounding the death of a foster child who was visiting the Kahkewistahaw First Nation in southeast Saskatchewan last August.
The child died of severe head trauma – the result of a blow administered by a 10-year-old boy who lived on the reserve and was also under care of social services through the Yorkton Tribal Council Family Agency.
Pringle says the boy’s death was a preventable tragedy.
He says the 10-year-old has a long history of emotional problems, has been diagnosed with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder and had numerous run-ins with the law.
His crimes include break and enter and the slaying of a pregnant dog.
He was the subject of numerous pleas for help from his school and categorized as a high risk to harm himself and others.
Pringle says the warning signs should have been noticed.
“The agency again missed this opportunity to intervene appropriately and we find this, by this time, to be astounding.”
Social Services Minister June Draude says the system experienced a complete breakdown.
She says both her department and Yorkton Tribal Council Family Services are working together to make sure this tragedy is never repeated.
“We are continuing to improve our policies and procedures and we will not forget about the children we lost,” she says.
The child responsible for the death is now 11-years-old and under the care of social services.
He is receiving intensive counseling.
Because of his young age, he cannot be held criminally responsible for his actions.