Families allowed to speak to media

Re. ” ‘I had the proof’: how a mother’s courage finally leads to charge,” Paula Simons, Oct. 7

I read with interest Paula Simons’ column.

First, I want to offer my condolences to the family of Serenity.

Second, in her column Simons writes: “Serenity’s mother told me Graff ’s staff had instructed her not to contact the press.”

Although our legislation prevents me from speaking about this specific situation, I want to be clear that it is not the practice of the Office of the Child and Youth Advocate to counsel family members of a deceased or seriously injured child about contact with the media.

All family members have the option to contact the media. This is their right. Tim Chander, communications manager, Office of the Child and Youth Advocate