UCP introduce ‘Serenity’s Law’

The mother of a girl who died from injuries while in the care of relatives who had taken over as legal guardians from the government says not enough is being done to keep children safe.

The girl’s mother was in the legislature Tuesday watching in the gallery as the opposition United Conservatives introduced a private member’s bill.

That bill, dubbed Serenity’s Law, would require adults to report to police any child who needs intervention under the threat of six months in jail or a $10,000 fine.

Children’s Services Minister Danielle Larivee told the house she has misgivings about what she called the “unintended consequences” of such legislation.

“Our law enforcement partners, including the Alberta Association of Chiefs of Police, have suggested to us that they have some concerns with this proposal,” Larivee said. “And we continue to have concerns.”

Larivee said she will continue to work with Serenity’s mother and with police to keep kids safe.

Children’s Services officials say people already have a duty to report when children are in danger.

Serenity was four when she died in kinship care in 2014.

At the time of her death, she had severe bruising, hypothermia, dramatic weight loss and signs of sexual abuse. She died of a catastrophic head injury.