City council candidate advocates for removing children from broken homes in controversial Facebook post

Ray confirmed the account belonged to him and said he wrote those comments. He added taking children away from broken homes is a method he’d like to see implemented more often in cases for youth criminals.

“I feel it’s something I think should be happening more,” Ray said. “Youth crime is a major problem all across the province. With North Battleford being at the top of the crime severity index, it seems to be one of the areas that we have to tackle.”

According to Ray, there are two sections under the Child and Family Services Act which allow a judge to take a child away from their caregivers. Ray said he would like to see those sections used more often to get kids away from “poor parenting.”

Ray said his ideal isn’t meant to punish the youths and added he understands many youth offenders are born into “rough situations” they didn’t choose to be in. He said removing a child from a bad situation is very important.

“The parents have to have some sort of responsibility,” Ray said. “If a child is taken away from that situation in some circumstances, the money that goes into that home will be reduced. Maybe hitting that person in the pocket books will maybe get them to reality.”

Wayne suggested the revenue could be allocated to parenting classes for the family but reiterated “something has to change.”

Michel Riou is the lawyer who represents Kaneweyimik Child and Family Services Inc. in North Battleford. He deals with youth cases on a weekly bases and said not only is the idea of taking kids away from their caregivers a tough process, but in some cases it can be counterproductive.

“There is a downside to removing children from their caregivers, particularly if there is a cultural element involved,” Riou said. “I have recommended that children be returned to their parents because even though they might not be the best parents, the bond was so strong that removing them from the home would do more damage.”

Riou added removing children from their homes may help reduce youth crime, but there is no guarantee.

He said there are certain criteria which must be met before the court gets the authority to remove a child. He said the judge can make the decision based on either the willing consent of the parties or after a civil hearing.

At a hearing, the level of proof to remove a child needs to be on a balance of probability instead of beyond a reasonable doubt like in criminal court. Riou said usually children are only removed if their caregivers are addicts or abusive.

As for Ray he is sticking to his guns on the subject and didn’t think his comments offended anyone.

“If they do find offense then at least it will start people talking,” Ray said. “There is nothing wrong with having a good open dialogue. It’s healthy for the community.”

He said he is open to talking about other solutions people bring forward.

Ray also made it clear his suggestion was not based on race. He said youth crime is committed by all races.

Greg Higgins is battlefordsNOW’s city municipal affairs and health reporter. He can be reached at ghiggins@jpbg.ca or tweet him @realgreghiggins.

by Greg Higgins

City council candidate advocates for removing children from broken homes in controversial Facebook post

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