The provincial government has designated a supervisor for the Children’s Aid Society in Sudbury and Manitoulin due to worries about the safety of young individuals under the society’s care in the northeastern Ontario regions. The Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services announced the appointment of Steven Woodman as supervisor to oversee operations in Sudbury and Manitoulin for a maximum of one year. This decision follows the ministry’s identification of child well-being concerns within the society.
Allegations from the ministry’s release suggest that the society made decisions regarding child placement and service plans without proper legal authorization or parental consent. Furthermore, there were instances of repeated use of restraints, modifications limiting children’s movements, and changes obstructing exits, raising issues about fire safety. The ministry also highlighted significant operational and financial mismanagement, citing a 43% increase in the society’s deficit last year, necessitating nearly $2 million in emergency funding.
Steven Woodman, previously the executive director of the Durham Children’s Aid Society, will assist in ensuring that children and youth receive safe and continuous services while enhancing the society’s operational and financial practices. Woodman will provide regular updates to the ministry on efforts taken to support children and enhance financial management. CBC has contacted Elaina Groves, CEO of the Children’s Aid Society of the Districts of Sudbury and Manitoulin, for a response.