The Ministry of Children and Families has issued a statement responding to the mother of 2 murdered Oak Bay girls who says the ministry failed them.
Sarah Cotton's ex-partner, Andrew Berry, was sentenced Thursday to life in prison with no chance of parole for 22 years in the stabbing deaths of 4 year old Aubrey and 6 year old Chloe on Christmas Day 2017.
Following the sentencing, Cotton released a statement saying she expressed concern to the Ministry about her girls' well being while in their father's care, and about a personality disorder -- but her concerns fell on deaf ears. She also criticized the family court system.
Asked for comment the ministry provided a statement from Minister Katrine Conroy:
“We extend our deepest condolences to the family and to all those affected by this tragedy. The loss of a child is something no parent should ever have to endure. When that loss is the result of a crime, the pain is even more unspeakable. While we cannot speak to specific cases, each and every time someone makes a child protection report to the ministry we look into the circumstances, assess the risk to the child or children and the parent's ability to provide care. Our government will also continue working on how we can improve the family justice system.”
Over the more than 5 month trial testimony and evidence revealed Berry had a serious gambling problem, was destitute, had almost no food in his apartment, and the power had been cut off, and yet he was allowed to have custody of his children over Christmas.
The BC Representative for Children and Youth, Jennifer Charlesworth, has been waiting for the case to wrap up to examine the circumstances and determine what can be learned. But with the Defence filing a notice of appeal, that will be delayed.