Chatham-Kent CAS Sued

May 4, 2015 permalink

The Kivell family in suing Chatham-Kent CAS for $4.1 million.

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Family launches $4.1M lawsuit against police and children’s services in Chatham-Kent

The Statement of Claim issued by the Kivell family in Chatham, Ont.

Handout / CTV Windsor

CTV Windsor, Published Monday, May 4, 2015 1:53PM EDT, Last Updated Monday, May 4, 2015 2:24PM EDT

A Chatham family has launched a $4.1-million lawsuit against Chatham-Kent Children's Services and Chatham-Kent Police Services.

Brian and Betty-Jo Kivell, their six children and Brian’s parents, Gary and Sherrill Kivell, are seeking compensatory, aggravated and punitive damages arising from an investigation by police and CKCS.

Brian Kivell was arrested on Nov. 26, 2013 and charged with sexual assault. In late Feb 2014, the claimant made similar allegations against Brian’s father, Gary Kivell, but no charges were laid.

The claims were made by a girl, who Brian and Betty-Jo adopted and brought back to Canada after working as missionaries in the Ukraine for four years. The allegations were made more than seven years after the Kivell family had terminated the adoption.

All charges against Brian Kivell were withdrawn on April 10, 2014.

The lawsuit claims that the Kivell family has suffered irreparable damage from the alleged negligent, irresponsible and highhanded actions of the CKCS, its employees and agents, and the Chatham Kent Police.

“Watching my husband and children suffer that way has been the greatest pain I have ever experienced,” said Betty-Jo Kivell in a news release. “The agencies that are in place to protect children and families completely failed mine. We are seeking accountability."

The allegations have not been proven in court.

“The matter is before the courts and because there is civil litigation underway we can make no further comment," Chatham-Kent police Insp. Ed Reed told CTV News. "The matter is in the hands of legal counsel.”

Source: CTV