New crisis hotline coming soon EMMA GRANEY

Initiative taken after death of woman who had been locked up in cage by family

A crisis line to report concerns about vulnerable Albertans and help them get the supports they need will be up and running in a matter of weeks.

The new program stems from the public inquiry into the heartbreaking death of Betty Ann Gangon, a handicapped woman who was locked in a cage by her family at a Sherwood Park home.

The 48-year-old had also been confined in a basement, a dog run and a converted school bus with no heat, running water or electricity. She died on Nov. 20, 2009, from a head injury caused by either a blow to the face or an accidental fall.

Gagnon’s younger sister, Denise Scriven, and brother-in-law, Michael Scriven, were sentenced to 20 months each in jail after pleading guilty to failing to provide the necessaries of life.

CLEAR CONTACT FOR CRISIS

Concerned family members had called social services and police about Gangon, but that information fell through the cracks.

Without a crisis line, the report found, persons with developmental disabilities in the community who are being abused or neglected continue to be at risk.

Social Services Minister Irfan Sabir is confident the new hotline, combined with a host of other changes made since Gangon’s death, will help avoid similar cases.

We have every intention of making sure there are multiple options available for people to participate.

“We want to make sure when we receive that kind of information, we have well thought-out processes and trained staff to follow up on those concerns,” Sabir told Postmedia in a recent interview.

Sabir said the line will be staffed by departmental workers, with a similar setup to the family violence info line.

“Whether or not that person has a file, (staff ) will follow up to make sure the person is safe and they get connected to the supports they need,” he said.

The hotline comes as the government continues its review of the Persons with Developmental Disabilities program.

More than 12,000 Albertans receive PDD supports, ranging from a few hours of assistance to 24/7 care.

The next step is nailing down the scope of the review and how exactly Albertans and agencies will be able to give their input.

Sabir has met with more than 35 organizations since January to figure out the best way to consult with the PDD community, including service providers, disability action groups, the self-advocacy organization and front line staff in his department.

An online survey also wrapped up last week.

“We have every intention of making sure there are multiple options available for people to participate,” he said.

There’s no firm timeline for the review’s completion.

“Our desire is to complete it as soon as practicable, but at the same time ... we want to take the time to get this right,” Sabir said.