(file photo/Pattison Media)

By paNOW Staff

Employee at Wilkie care home accused of sexual abuse, assault against residents

Aug 28, 2024 | 3:22 PM

A female staff member at a group care home in Wilkie is facing numerous charges after police investigated reports of physical and sexual assaults at the facility.

Between January 2023 and February 2024, at least four adult residents of the facility were either assaulted, sexually abused or threatened by a female staff member, according to RCMP. The worker has not been employed at the facility since February.

Jaclyn Elias, 36, of Wilkie was arrested on February 29 and charged with four counts of assault, three counts of sexual assault, one count of sexual assault with a weapon, and one count of uttering threats.

Elias appeared in North Battleford Provincial Court on Aug. 26. She will make her next court appearance on Sept. 16.

While RCMP did not identify the name of the care home, battlefordsNOW has learned it is Prairie Branches.

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Statement from the Ministry of Social Services

According to a statement provided by the Ministry of Social Services, they have been working closely with the service provider to ensure all residents are receiving the support they need.

“The ministry has a zero-tolerance abuse policy. We require all group homes and approved private service homes to immediately report serious incidents involving individuals in their care. These reports are monitored and investigated by the ministry, and immediate action is taken to ensure client safety, and address issues, up to and including the closure of homes and termination of contracts,” the statement explained.

The ministry added they also require service providers to complete criminal record checks including a vulnerable sector check for employees, volunteers, board members and any others that provide direct support services to residents.

“The ministry is working with the RCMP regarding their investigation. As the investigation is ongoing, and to protect the privacy of the clients we serve, we are not able to provide additional information at this time.”

panews@pattisonmedia.com