Inspired by Serenity, bill introduced to protect kids in care
The mother of a child who died in 2014, bruised and malnourished, was in the legislature Tuesday to watch as the Opposition brought forward a private member’s bill to protect Alberta kids in care.
Serenity was four when she died in kinship care on Sept. 27, 2014. Her mother, who can’t be identified under Alberta law, said not enough is being done to protect children taken into government care.
Now living outside Alberta, she travelled to the legislature and looked on from the public gallery as Calgary-West United Conservative MLA Mike Ellis introduced Bill 216.
The bill mirrors legislation Ellis wanted to introduce almost a year ago, which he called Serenity’s Law. It would amend existing legislation so adults are required to report to police any child who needs intervention, under the threat of six months in jail or a $10,000 fine.
“I hoped Serenity’s Law would pass,” Serenity’s mom said. “I felt it was important (to be here) because she’s my daughter, and I have high hopes.”
Serenity’s death led to the establishment of the all-party child intervention panel. Serenity’s mom said that panel isn’t taking steps necessary to protect kids.
While she’s worried her child’s death is being used as a political football, she’s also pleased light continues to shine on the case. She hopes it leads to resolution and protections for other children.
Ellis’ bill passed to second reading after a handful of NDP MLAs objected to it. That’s a rare move in the legislature, where first reading is traditionally accepted unanimously.
In an interview Tuesday, Children’s Services Minister Danielle Larivee told Postmedia the “No” votes were due to “confusion” in the caucus, and the NDP “absolutely” supported first reading.
But between time pressures and Larviee’s concerns with the bill, it’s unlikely Serenity’s Law will pass.
The legislative session is due to end Thursday. Even if the sitting is extended, Ellis’ bill follows four pieces of government legislation and another private member’s bill. If it doesn’t pass before the sitting ends, it will die on the order paper.
Larivee said she supports the intent of Serenity’s Law, but noted police have concerns about how it’s written.
“It’s a complex relationship that police have with child intervention cases, so I think they have multiple concerns, and that’s why consultation is important,” she said.
Ultimately, Larivee would like to see ideas like Ellis’ put forward by the child intervention panel.
But UCP panel members Ric McIver and Jason Nixon said they haven’t had the chance to explore those kinds of ideas because of the way the panel is set up.