Ages & Stages Questionnaires:
A Parent-Completed, Child Monitoring System
By Diane Bricker, Jane Squires, and Linda Mounts
with assistance from LaWanda Potter, Robert Nickel,
and Jane Farrell
|
36 Month
Questionnaire
Please fill out the following information.
Child's name: Ken McQUAID
Child's date of birth: Oct 16/96
Who is filling out this questionnaire? NKLA
What is your relationship to the child? PiP consultant
Your telephone:
Your mailing address:
City:
State:
zip code:
List people assisting in questionnaire completion:
parents
Today's date: Dec 16/99
Administering program or provider:
PIP/DSS//DCAF
COMMUNICATION
Be sure to try each activity with your child. |
1. When you ask her to point to her nose, then her
eyes, hair, feet, ears, tummy and so forth, does your
child point to at least seven body parts correctly?
(She can point to parts of herself, you, or a doll). |
yes |
10 |
2. Does your child make sentences that are three or
four words long? Please give an example:
No, it doesn't go pop |
yes |
10 |
3. Without giving him help by pointing or using
gestures, ask your child to "Put the shoe on the table"
and "Put the book under the chair". Does your child
carry out both of these directions correctly?
+ to check |
yes |
10 |
4. When looking at a picturebook, does your child tell
you what is happening or what action is taking place in
the picture? (For example, "Barking", "Running",
"Eating", and "Crying"). You may ask, "What is the dog
(or boy) doing?" |
sometimes |
5 |
5. Show your child how a zipper on a coat moves up and
down, and say, "See, this goes up and down". Put the
zipper to the middle and ask your child to move the
zipper down. Return the zipper to the middle
and ask the child to move the zipper up. Do
this several times, placing the zipper in the middle
before asking the child to move it up or down. Does
your child consistently move the zipper up when you say
"up" and down when you say "down"? |
yes |
10 |
6. When you ask, "What is your name?" does your child
say both her first and last name? |
sometimes |
5 |
COMMUNICATIONS TOTAL |
50 |
GROSS MOTOR
Be sure to try each activity with your child. |
1. Without holding onto anything for support, does your
child kick a ball by swinging his leg forward? |
yes |
10 |
2. Does your child jump with both feet leaving the
floor at the same time? |
no |
0 |
3. Does your child walk up stairs, using only one foot
on each stair? The left foot on one step and the right
foot on the next. She may hold onto the railing or
wall. (You can look for this at a store, on a
playground, or at home). |
no |
0 |
4. Does your child stand on one foot for about 1 second
without holding onto anything? |
sometimes |
5 |
5. While standing, does your child throw a ball
overhand by raising his arm to shoulder height and
throwing the ball forward? (Dropping the ball or
throwing the ball underhand does not count). |
yes |
10 |
6. Does your child jump forward at least 6 inches with
both feet leaving the ground at the same time? |
no |
0 |
GROSS MOTOR TOTAL |
25 |
FINE MOTOR
Be sure to try each activity with your child. |
1. After she watches you draw a line from the top of
the paper to the bottom with a pencil, crayon, or pen,
ask your child to make a line like yours. Do not let
your child trace your line. Does your child copy you by
drawing a single line in a vertical direction? |
yes |
10 |
2. Does your child thread a shoelace through a bead or
an eyelet of a shoe? |
yes |
10 |
3. After he watches you draw a single circle ask your
child to make a circle like yours. Do not let her trace
your circle. Does your child copy you by drawing a
circle? |
yes |
10 |
4. After she watches you draw a line from one side of
the paper to the other side, ask your child to make a
line like yours. Do not let your child trace your line.
Does your child copy you by drawing a single line in a
horizontal direction? |
yes |
10 |
5. Does your child try to cut paper with child-safe
scissors? He does not need to cut the paper but must
get the blades to open and close while holding the paper
with the other hand. (You may show your child how to
use scissors). |
no |
0 |
|
6. When drawing, does your child hold a pencil, crayon,
or pen between her fingers and thumb like an adult does? |
no |
0 |
FINE MOTOR TOTAL |
40 |
|
PROBLEM SOLVING
Be sure to try each activity with your child. |
1. While your child watches, line up four objects like
blocks or cars in a row. Does your child copy you or
imitate and line up four objects in a row? (You can
also use spools or thread, small boxes, or other toys). |
yes |
10 |
2. If your child wants something he cannot reach, does
he go and find something like a chair or box to stand on
to reach it? |
to check |
3. When you point to the figure and ask your child,
"What is this?" does your child say a word that means a
person? Responses like "snowman", "boy", "man", "girl",
and "Daddy" are correct. Please write your child's
response here:
apple j |
no |
0 |
4. When you say, "Say seven three", does your child
repeat just the two numbers in the correct order? Do
not repeat the numbers, If necessary, try another pair
of numbers and say, "Say eight two". Your child must
repeat just one series of two numbers for you to answer
"yes" to this question. |
yes |
10 |
5. Show your child how to make a bridge with blocks,
boxes, or cans, like the example. does your child copy
you by making one like it? |
to check |
|
6. When you say "Say five eight three", does your child
repeat just the three numbers in the correct
order? Do not repeat these numbers. If
necessary, try another series of numbers and say, "Say
six nine two". Your child must repeat just one series
of three numbers for you to answer "yes" to this
question. |
yes |
10 |
PROBLEM SOLVING TOTAL |
30+ |
PERSONAL-SOCIAL
Be sure to try each activity with your child. |
1. Does your child use a spoon to feed herself with
little spilling? |
sometimes |
5 |
2. Does your child push a little shopping cart,
stroller, or wagon, steering around objects and backing
out of corners if he cannot turn? |
to check |
3. When she is looking in a mirror and you ask, "Who is
in the mirror?", does your child say either "Me" or her
own name? |
yes |
10 |
4. Can your child put on a coat, jacket, or shirt by
himself?
helps |
no |
0 |
5. Using these exact words, ask your child, "Are you a
girl or a boy?". Does your child answer correctly? |
no |
0 |
|
6. Does your child take turns by waiting while another
child or adult takes a turn? |
sometimes |
5 |
PERSONAL-SOCIAL TOTAL |
20+ |
OVERALL Parents and providers
may use the back of this sheet for additional comments. |
1. Do you think your child hears well?
If no, explain: |
yes |
2. Do you think your child talks like other children
her age?
If no, explain:
echolalia |
no |
3. Can you understand most of what your child says?
If no, explain: |
yes |
4. Do you think your child walks, runs, and climbs like
other children his age?
If no, explain: |
no |
5. Does either parent have any family history of
childhood deafness or hearing impairment?
If yes, explain: |
to check |
6. Has your child had any medical problems in the last
several months?
If yes, explain: |
to check |
7. Does anything about your child worry you?
If yes, explain: |
to check |
36 Month ASQ Information Summary
Child's name:
Ken McQUAID
Date of Birth:
Oct 16/96
Who is filling out the ASQ?
N K Little Alcorn
Relationship to child:
home visitor (PiP)
Mailing address:
City: State: Zip:
Telephone:
Assisting in ASQ completion:
Today's Date:
Dec 16/99
OVERALL: Please transfer the answers in the Overall section of
the questionnaire by circling "yes" or "no" and
reporting any parents' comments.
1. |
Hears well? |
YES |
2. |
Talks like other children? |
NO |
3. |
Understand child? |
YES |
4. |
Walks, runs, and climbs like others? |
NO |
5. |
Family history of hearing impairment? |
to check |
6. |
Recent medical problems? |
to check |
7. |
Other concerns? |
to check |
SCORING THE QUESTIONNAIRE
1. Be sure each question has been answered. If a
question cannot be answered, refer to the ratio scoring
procedure in The ASQ User's Guide.
2. Score each item on the questionnaire by writing the
appropriate number on the line by each item answer. YES
= 10, SOMETIMES = 5, NOT YET = 0.
3. Add up the item scores for each area and record
these totals in the space provided for area totals.
4. Indicate the child's total score for each area by
filling in the appropriate circle on the chart below.
For example, if the total score for the Communication
area was 50, fill in the circle below 50 in the first
row.
5. If the child's total score falls at or above the
cutoff the child appears to be doing well in this
area at this time.
6. If the child's total falls below the cutoff, talk
with a professional. The child may need further
evaluation.
|
Score |
Cutoff |
Communication |
50 |
38.7 |
Gross motor |
25 |
35.7 |
Fine motor |
40 |
30.0 |
Problem solving |
30 |
38.6 |
Personal-social |
20+ |
38.7 |
(The following document was prepared by a professional
not associated with Children's Aid, who was retained by
Friends at Hand-in-Hand day care to deal with Ken's
rampage behavior. She found he was not eligible for
help, because his score on the test was above the
threshold of 60. The test without this note is filed in
court. - RTMQ)
THREE-YEAR-OLD-CHILD DATA SHEET for the
BRIGANCE (R) PRESCHOOL SCREEN FOR THREE- AND FOUR-YEAR-OLD CHILDREN
A. |
CHILD DATA |
Year |
Month |
Day |
|
Child's Name |
Kenneth |
Date of Screening |
99 |
12 |
20 |
School/ Program |
Hand in Hand |
|
Parents/ Guardian |
Birthdate |
96 |
10 |
16 |
Teacher |
Karen |
|
Address |
Age |
3 |
2 |
4 |
Assessor |
Joyce Cook |
|
B. SCREENING ASSESSMENTS
Skill: (Circle the skill for each correct
response. Make notes as appropriate.) |
C. SCORING |
Number of
Correct
Responses |
Point
Value |
Child's
Score |
2.1A |
Personal Data Response: Orally gives
1 first name
2 last name
3 age |
0 |
2 |
0/6 |
3.2A |
Identifies Body Parts: Points to or touches:
①ears
②head
3 legs
④arms
⑤fingers
⑥thumbs
⑦toes
⑧neck
9.stomach |
7 |
1 |
7/6 |
4.3A |
Gross Motor Skills:
①Stands on one foot one second.
②Walks tiptoe three steps.
3__Walks forward heel-and-toe three steps. |
2 |
3 |
6/9 |
5.4 |
Identifies Objects: Points to picture of
①Stove
②Coat
③Car |
3 |
3 |
9/9 |
6.5A |
Repeats Sentences: Repeats sentences of
①three syllables
②four syllables
③five syllables |
3 |
3 |
9/9 |
7.6A |
Visual Motor Skills: Copies
1 circle
②horizontal dash
③vertical dash |
2 |
3 |
6/9 |
8.7A |
Number Concepts: Demonstrates by giving
①one
2 one more
③two |
2 |
3 |
6/9 |
9.8A |
Builds Tower with Blocks: builds a tower with
①3 blocks
②4 blocks
③5 blocks
④6 blocks
⑤7 blocks |
5 |
2 |
10/10 |
10.9 |
Matches Colors: Matches
①red
②blue
③green
④yellow
⑤orange |
5 |
2 |
10/10 |
11.10A |
Picture Vocabulary: Names
①tree
②bird
③apple
④pencil
5.sock |
4 |
2 |
8/10 |
12.11 |
Plural s and -ing: Adds
①plural s
2__ing to verbs |
1 |
5 |
5/10 |
|
Total Score = |
76/100 |
D. OBSERVATIONS
- Handedness: Right□
Left■
Uncertain□
- Pencil Grasp: Fingers□
Fist□
Loose
- Speech: Understandable■
Immature□
- Other: Record below or on the back of this form.)
He imitates a lot of speech when he doesn't understand the
question.
E. SUMMARY
(Complete only if child is screened with group)
F. RECOMMENDATIONS
To be referred to a behavioural therapist.
|
Ontario Court of Justice
(Name of Court)
|
Court file number
180/99
................................
Form 14A: Affidavit
(General) dated
December 21, 1999
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
| at |
10 Louisa Street, Orangeville Ontario L9W 3P9
Court office address |
Applicant(s) |
|
Full legal name & address for service -
street & number, municipality, postal code,
telephone & fax numbers and e-mail address (if any). |
Lawyer's name & address -
street & number, municipality, postal code,
telephone & fax numbers and e-mail address (if any). |
|
The Children's Aid Society of the County of Dufferin
50 Fourth Avenue, Unit 13
Orangeville Ontario
L9W 4P1
Canada
Phone: 519-941-1530
Fax: 519-941-1525
email: dcafs@hurontario.net
|
Wardlaw, Mullin, Carter, Thwaites and Ward
Attention: David Thwaites 235 Broadway
Orangeville, Ontario
L9W 2Z5
Canada
Phone: 519-941-1700
Fax: 519-941-3688
eMail: dthwaites@wardlaw.on.ca
|
|
Respondent(s) |
|
Full legal name & address for service-
street & number, municipality, postal code,
telephone & fax numbers and e-mail address (if any). |
Lawyer's name & address -
street & number, municipality, postal code,
telephone & fax numbers and e-mail address (if any). |
|
Robert McQuaid
RR #5
Orangeville, Ontario
L9W 2Z2, Canada
Phone: 940-9847
|
|
Linda Prosh
RR #5
Orangeville Ontario
L9W 2Z2, Canada
Phone: 940-9847
|
My name is
(full legal name)
Trish Cox
I live in
(municipality & province)
Orangeville, Ontario
and I swear/affirm that the following is true:
Set out the statements of fact
in consecutively numbered paragraphs. Where
possible, each numbered paragraph should consist of
one complete sentence and be limited to a particular
statement of fact. If you learned a fact from
someone else, you must give that person's name and
state that you believe that fact to be true.
I, Trish Cox, of the Town or Orangeville in the County
of Dufferin, make oath and say:
1. I am a Child Protection and Family Services Worker
with The Children's Aid Society of the County of
Dufferin. I am also a Registered Nurse with the College
of Nurses of Ontario with a B.Sc.N. I have worked
extensively with children in clinical and community
settings and at one time coordinated and supervised the
School Health Support Services for the Dufferin and
Dufferin-Peel Boards of Education. I was involved daily
in the assessment of the physical, developmental,
emotional and social needs of children. I was required
to have a comprehensive knowledge of the role,
responsibilities and interventions of Occupational
Therapists, Physical Therapists, Speech Therapists,
Dieticians and Nurses as they worked with children in
home and school environments.
2. On December 14th, 1999 I met with Mr McQuaid and Ms
Prosh. Ken's room was bright and cheerful. The bedding
was clean and fresh. The bed was age appropriate. Age
appropriate toys were in evidence in the room. The
closets contained season appropriate clothing. There
was no lock on his door. The other areas of the house
which I saw were stark and lacked warmth but were clean
and free of safety concerns.
3. Mr McQuaid and Ms Prosh, during this visit described
concerns related to Ken: 1. head banging on their
bodies. Mrs Prosh showed me a 3 inch fading bruise on
her groin where Ken had hit her while she was lying in
bed. The parents report that Ken does the same on their
legs in sensitive areas and that this has been happening
as often as everyday or every other day and that this
has been occuring for some time. The parents stated
that he does not head bang on anything but themselves.
2. spitting at the parents which they report only
started in the past two weeks. The parents expressed
interest in the visit about how to deal with these
behaviours. The parents are presently using different
approaches. Mr McQuaid will deal with them with time
outs or telling him to stop. Ms Prosh stated that she
screamed the last time Ken banged his head on her groin.
She sometimes says "no". Advice was given and
acknowledged. During the meeting Ken was very busy. He
would pull and hang on the curtains, hit his parents and
myself, handle objects off limits to him. Mr McQuaid
firmly and gently held Ken once when Ken was involved
with the curtains. However, neither parent responded to
Ken hitting them. During the visit the parents asked
questions about toilet training. This was discussed
briefly.
4. The parents reported in this visit that the
pre-school had asked Ken to be assessed by the Dufferin
Association for Community Living, Pre-School Resource
Programme as the pre-school felt that there were
developmental delays. Mr McQuaid and Ms Prosh reported
that the pre-school found Ken to be aggressive with
other children (hitting, spitting and throwing objects
at them). The parents were surprised that the
pre-school felt that there were developmental delays and
spent some time highlighting what Ken could do and
related this to their own milestones as children.
5. During this visit I observed that Ken communication
was mainly in the form of echolalia, a compulsive
repetition of what is spoken by another person. His
speech was clear. He responded to simple one step
commands. However, during the end of the interview, as
consents were being obtained and the word "CAS" was
used, Ken would respond each time with the word "evil".
6. On December 16th, 1999 I met with Lee Rivoire,
Teacher and Karen Bowers, Supervisor of Hand-in-Hand
Pre-School. They stated that Ken has been attending
each day since enrollment with the usual length of stay
of 8:30 am to 5:30 pm. The staff are concerned as Ken
speaks with echolalia, does not interact with the other
children, rarely participates in circle time. They
report that he does not know how to play with toys
except cause and effect toys. The staff have found over
the last two weeks that Ken has difficulty with
transitions (going to the washroom, cleaning up, going
to circle time) and will scream and tantrum when asked
to do these things. The staff state that the parents
have told them that they use plastic utensils with Ken
as he throws things and they are afraid of being stabbed
by him. Ken consistently throws objects at the
pre-school and the staff are worried about the safety of
the other children. Ken hits the children and spits on
them and the staff. The staff is concerned as Ken says
"bad boy" with his behaviours and the mother has told
the staff she calls him that. The staff report that Ken
does not have self-help skills ie. toilet trained, uses
a sippy cup. They have noticed that he bangs his head,
front and back, on the door, wall, chair and will say to
himself "not funny" and laugh, or "that's a bad habit".
The staff state that at nap time, Ken does not sleep and
will suck his thumb, hit his head with his fist and
laugh and rock. He has also gotten up and thrown toys
around at other children. The supervisor reports that
they had no indication from his parents of any problems
with Ken at registration and feel he needs 1:1
supervision. The staff state that Ken leaves his
parents easily and is happy to see both of them when
they return. Ms Rivoire reports one time that another
mother with blonde hair was leaving and Ken attempted to
go with her. The staff state that the parents are happy
to see Ken on pick up and are interested in how he is
doing. Mr McQuaid picks up Ken the majority of the
time. They report that Ken has a good appetite, is
appropriately dressed, clean and tidy. They also noted
that regarding his echolalia, with one exception Ken
demonstrated the ability to engage, ask a question and
indicate a process with communication. Ken was told
that "Tara will bring you that toy". When the girl
brought him the toy, Ken asked, "Are you Tara?". I
verily believe this to be true.
7. On December 17th, 1999 I met with Nina Little,
Infant Development Worker with Dufferin Child and Family
Services. She noted that Mr McQuaid was more relaxed
with her but that both parents were mainly spectators
throughout the visit. She did observe that Mr McQuaid
engaged Ken a little with some turntaking. The father,
however, asked Ken for his Barney figure and when given
it, kept it even though Ken wanted it back. Later when
Ken was asked for another toy by his father, Ken would
not bring it over. During her assessment visit Ken was
playing in the curtains. Mr McQuaid dealt with this by
holding Ken on his lap while vigorously patting his
back, saying to Ms Little that they are now using zero
tolerance. The intervention did not calm Ken or reduce
his activity. Ms Little was informed by the parents
that Ken was spitting, throwing things at the pre-school
and the parents stated that Ken wouldn't be able to stay
if the behaviour continues. They reported that Ken had
been referred to the Dufferin Association for Community
Living by the pre-school staff. Ms Little also
suggested a referral to a Speech and Language Therapist
for the echolalia. Ms Little noted the following about
Ken: 1. Ken remembered activities that he was involved
in with her from three weeks ago and was capable of
representational play (ie. would feed a baby doll with
a bottle). He was also capable of focussing for a
significant period of time on a variety of play tasks.
2. when Ken looked into a mirror he would say Ken good
boy, or Ken evil and laugh. The parents laughed when he
said this. 3. when Ken was shown a crocodile whose
mouth opened, his father said to Ken: "look it eats
little boys; 4. Ken has limited ability to self care
ie. dress and feed himself. The parents state they
even load his fork with food and Ken will often eat with
his fingers; 5. the developmental assessment (Ages and
Stages) indicates that Ken has poor gross motor, problem
solving and personal and social skills. Ken's fine
motor skills were appropriate. Communication could not
be accurately assessed with this tool. Ms Little was
very concerned with the severity and number of concerns
that she observed and the contrast in ability. She
stated that Ken would benefit from and assessment by a
child psychiatrist.
8. Information from Dr R Murphy, paediatrician and Wil
Weiner, therapist was not available at this time. Their
input is necessary to clarify and define aspects of the
above observations. Ken McQuaid can present, in
isolated and/or controlled circumstances to function
within acceptable developmental limits. For example,
form a question without prompting which initiates a
relationship and relates to his external environment.
He is also able to remember past processes and use
representational play. Ken, however, for the most part
is below in many of his developmental milestones and
demonstrates severe aggressive hehaviours. He also
demonstrates self-soothing and self-stiming behaviours.
As well, the parents inconsistencies in parenting and
unusual interactions with Ken is concerning to the
Society. A parenting capacity assessment is still seen
as necessary because of the latter and the fact that no
interventions were put in place prior to the involvement
of the Society.
9. I make this statement with no improper intent.
Sworn/Affirmed before me at
(municipality)
Town of Orangeville
in
(province, state or country)
Ontario
on
(date)
December 21, 1999
Gary Brian Putman
Commissioner for taking affidavits
(Type or print below if signature
is illegible) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Trish Cox
Signature
(This form is to be signed in front
of a lawyer, justice of the peace, notary public or
commissioner for taking affidavits.) |
GARY BRIAN PUTMAN, A Commissioner,
etc., Province of Ontario, for the Children's
Aid Society.
Expires September 20th, 2000
Court File # 180/99
CONSENT ADJOURNMENT REQUEST
ONTARIO COURT (PROVINCIAL DIVISION - FAMILY)
10 Louisa St, Orangeville Ont, L9W 3P9
| Applicant(s) |
CHILDREN'S AID SOCIETY |
| (Full legal name)
|
| Counsel |
DAVID THWAITES |
| (Full name & telephone number)
|
| Respondent(s) |
McQUAID / PROSH |
| (Full legal name)
|
| Counsel |
EVELYN HUBER |
| (Full name & telephone number)
|
Parties Present:
ApplicantX
CounselX
RespondentX
CounselX
COMSOC__
Reason for adjournment
to allow for Developmental Assessment of Child
All parties consent to adjourn this matter from
Dec 22/99
to
January 19, 2000
at
10 AM
in courtroom # ___
Status quo to continue
Applicant(s) signature
David Thwaites
Counsel's signature
Parental Support Worker's Signature
Robert T McQuaid
Respondent(s) signature
Evelyn Huber
Counsel's signature
Children's Lawyer signature
Dated at the
Town of Orangeville
this
22
day of
December
,
1999
.
Consent Adjournment Requirements:
If all parties agree
to an adjournment, this Consent Adjournment Request must
be properly completed and delivered to the court clerk.
The parties may be released once the clerk has approved
the adjournment date as available unless there still
remains a matter in dispute which needs to be addressed
by the judge. The onus is on the party requesting the
adjournment to contact all other parties not present and
inform them of the next court appearance date and time.
ADJOURNMENT DATE CONFIRMED WITH COURT CLERK: ____
(clerk's initials)
IN THE MATTER OF KENNETH DARRYL McQUAID
born OCTOBER 16, 1996
CONSENT
THE PARTIES HERETO CONSENT TO AN ORDER
on the following terms and conditions:
- that the child Kenneth Darryl McQuaid, born October
16, 1996 shall be found in need of protection.
- that the child, Kenneth Darryl McQuaid shall be in
the care and custody of ROBERT McQUAID and LINDA
PROSH subject to the supervision of the CHILDREN'S
AID SOCIETY OF THE COUNTY OF DUFFERIN for a period
of 6 months on the following terms and conditions:
- LINDA PROSH and ROBERT McQUAID shall continue
to attend and follow the recommendations of Dr
Ron Murphy and such other persons as directed
or referred by Dr Ron Murphy
- LINDA PROSH and ROBERT McQUAID shall continue
to cooperate and follow the recommendations of
the Infant-Parent Program, the Family Therapist
(WILL WEINER), Dufferin Association Community
Living and Family services worker.
- LINDA PROSH and ROBERT McQUAID shall sign
Consents to Release Information as necessary to
facilitate the terms of supervision
- LINDA PROSH and ROBERT McQUAID agree to "drop
by" visits by representatives of the Children's
Aid Society
- LINDA PROSH and ROBERT McQUAID shall
participate and have a child psychiatrist
conduct and assessment of the family to obtain
the assessment and recommendations for
parenting of Kenneth. The parents shall
cooperate and follow through with the
recommendations.
Dated this 19th day of January 2000
at the Town of Orangeville.
/signed/ Linda Prosh
/signed/ Robert McQuaid
/signed/ Trish Cox CAS for Dufferin
The Banner Extra
Vol 3 No 95 Tuesday January 25, 2000
(advertisement)
DUFFERIN
Child and Family Services
(Incorporated as The Children's Aid Society
of the County of Dufferin)
Dufferin Child and Family Services is a not-for-profit
social service agency which strives to advocate for and
provide co-ordinated quality services for children,
families and individuals in Dufferin County. Our
primary service focus is on children most in need of
counselling, support and protection from abuse and
neglect, while supporting families in their central role
of caring for and nurturing children.
WE NEED FOSTER PARENTS
IN DUFFERIN COUNTY!
Dufferin Child and Family Services
regular foster care
program is currently seeking 4 homes for school age
children and adolescents and 2 homes for infant and
pre-school children.
If you are interested in learning
more about being a
foster parent for children of your community, plan on
attending an
INFORMATION SESSION
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2000 7:00-9:00 PM
Dufferin Child and Family Services
50 Fourth Avenue, Unit 13 (Zehrs Plaza)
Orangeville Ontario
(519)941-1530
(Call Diane Maloney ext 237 if you plan on attending)
There will be a presentation that will help to answer
any questions you may have regarding fostering, and to
explain the approval process for foster homes in
Dufferin County.
|
January 29, 2000
The Children's Aid Society of the County of Dufferin
50 Fourth Avenue Unit 13
Orangeville Ontario L9W 4P1
dcafs@headwaters.com
Dear Sirs/Madams:
I wish to become a member of the Children's Aid Society
of the County of Dufferin. As I understand from your
notice in the Orangeville Banner, persons over age 18
years residing in Dufferin County are eligible on
payment of the three dollar annual fee.
Please indicate by return E-mail where I can pay the
three dollars.
Robert T McQuaid
RR 5 Orangeville Ontario L9W 2Z2
phone: 519-942-0565
(Not getting any response to the foregoing email, I
visited the office of Children's Aid on February 3,
2000, with the three dollar membership fee. I handed it
personally to Irene Beazley. Two letters arrived in our
mail on February 7, 2000, one addressed to Robert
McQuaid, the other to Linda Prosh, but otherwise
identical. Both letters were dated February 1, 2000,
but stamped through the Children's Aid postage meter on
February 3, 2000. This note is not part of the court
file. - RTMQ)
February 1, 2000
Ms Linda Prosh
RR 5
Orangeville, Ontario
L9W 2Z2
Dear Ms Prosh:
RE: REPORT TO CHILD ABUSE REGISTER
This letter is to advise you that your name is being
forwarded to the Ministry of Community and Social
Services Central Abuse Register. Our investigation
supports the initial referral information received in
November 1999, alleging that you had put your child at
risk of physical harm as defined in section 37.2(B),
that your son demonstrated developmental concerns as
defined in section 37.2(H) and your son has suffered
emotional harm as defined in section 37.2(F) of the
Child and Family Services Act, Revised Statutes of
Ontario, 1990, Chapter 11 as amended.
The Central Abuse Register is a file for the Province
of Ontario and persons who have been found to have
abused a child can find their names placed on this list.
When your name has been received by the register you
will be notified by letter and have the opportunity to
appeal the decision and request that your name be
withdrawn.
Thank You.
K James
Kim James
Intake Worker |
Kimberley Evans
Kimberley Evans
Program Manager of Child Protection Services |
Gary Putman BA MSW
Executive Director
|
Tel 519-941-1530
Fax 519-941-1525 |
50 Fourth Ave Unit 13
Orangeville ON L9W 4P1 |
www.headwaters.com/dcafs/
dcafs@headwaters.com |
| Child Protective Service |
Children's Mental
Heath Service |
Developmental Support
Service |
Dufferin Children's Fund |
February 2, 2000
Concerns with CAS
For the last few weeks there has been an advertisement
in the classified section asking if anyone has had
problems with the Dufferin County CAS (Children's Aid
Society). A number of responses have been received,
even though most people are reluctant to step forward.
Those who have stepped forward have some valid concerns
and problems with this agency. Over the weekend a
number of those people gathered for a meeting near the
Orangeville area to voice their concerns.
In most cases the major complaint is the
heavy-handedness of this agency and the way it operates
by being confrontational in its approach, by not
informing parents of their rights in these matters and
an abuse of power by removing children from their homes
without warrants on the basis of flimsy evidence.
Also of concern are direct lies told the parents by some
workers eventually leading the the destruction of the
family unit.
According to spokesperson Catharine Cote of the Voices
for Children Alliance (VOAC), a group set up to combat
this abuse of power, "these types of problems should be
sounding alarm bells off as they are not only happening
in Dufferin County, but seem to be systemic throughout
the province.
"There is nothing new about these cases. These
practices have been going on for some time now. My
experience with the CAS has been that fly swatters are
used where an elephant gun is needed and an elephant gun
used where a fly swatter is needed".
In one case discussed over the weekend, the children
were removed from school without the parents being
notified. The parents found out only when the children
did not return home after school and the police were
notified of their absence. Then they were told that the
children had in fact been removed by the CAS. The major
reason for there removal was simply "poor housekeeping
practices".
Among the prime targets for the CAS are single parents
with children under the age of six.
In targeting single, economically deprived parents,
these agencies know that their resources for legal
representation are limited and these cases are easily
won as there parents soon run out of money.
As a result of parents being encouraged to stay at home
and raise their children there is now a shortage of
children available for adoption while the numbers of
people wanting to adopt have risen.
In effect this gives the government a potential reign of
terror over these families.
In one of the cases discussed the children were
apprehended and placed for adoption before the parent
was even brought to trial and in this case the reason
for apprehension was financial deprivation.
What's ironic in this case is the fact that the parent
had called the CAS asking for help.
Let's take a look at who benefits from this industry,
and it is certainly not the families involved.
- A Concerned Parent
I placed an ad in the Orangeville Banner
asking for CAS experiences, and I have spoken to the
Concerned Parent author and most of the CAS victims
alluded to in the article. Every person responding to
my ad was reluctant to leave his name. In most cases
the bullying they described by CAS was worse than stated
in the article. All of the children who were targets of
crown wardship applications were free of physical
defects. In two cases from anonymous callers, crown
wardship applications were withdrawn when hidden
physical defects were found, but later research has
discredited these calls. - RTMQ.
This cover letter came in response to a phone inquiry
from me to Irene Beazley for a copy of the bylaws.
-RTMQ
February 9, 2000
Robert T McQuaid
RR #5 Orangeville ON L9W 2Z2
Dear Mr McQuaid,
I am forwarding a copy of our by-laws as promised.
I recently spoke with you when you paid the $3.00 CAS
membership fee. We are presently in the process of
renewing memberships and I will be contacting the
Secretary-Treasurer of our Board of Directors to sign
membership cards for the 200-01 year. Once this has
been done a membership card will be sent to you.
Thank you for your interest in our agency.
Yours sincerely,
Irene Beazley
Irene Beazley, Senior Administrative Assistant
/ib
Encl
Gary Putman BA MSW
Executive Director
|
Tel 519-941-1530
Fax 519-941-1525 |
50 Fourth Ave Unit 13
Orangeville ON L9W 4P1 |
www.headwaters.com/dcafs/
dcafs@headwaters.com |
| Child Protective Service |
Children's Mental
Heath Service |
Developmental Support
Service |
Dufferin Children's Fund |
Ministry of
Community and
Social Services
Office of the Minister
Hepburn Block
Queens Park
Toronto ON M7A 1E9
(416)325-5226 |
Ministère des
Services sociaux
et communautaires
Bureau du Ministre
Édifice Hepburn
Queens Park
Toronto ON M7A 1E9
(416)325-5226 |
 |
February 9, 2000
Mr Robert T McQuaid
RR 5 Orangeville, Ontario L9W 2Z2
Dear Mr McQuaid:
David Tilson, the Member of Provincial Parliament for
Dufferin-Peel-Wellington-Grey, has forwarded me a copy
of your letter concerning the Children's Aid Society. I
apologize for the unacceptable delay in my response.
I appreciate the time you have taken to write about this
matter and your comments have been noted. Please
understand that as the issue you raise is currently
before the courts, it would be inappropriate for me to
comment on this matter.
Thank you for writing.
Sincerely,
illegible
John Baird, MPP
Minister
cc: Vince Tedesco, Director, Central West Region
David Tilson, MPP Dufferin-Peel-Wellington-Grey
Children's Aid kept this letter secret until May 31, 2000
when Trish Cox handed a copy to Linda Prosh as a fait
accompli. It is the centerpiece of the next steps in
litigation.
Children's Hospital |
PO Box 2000
Hamilton, Ontario
L8N 3Z5 |
(905) 521-2100 |
|
FAX: (905) 522-7982
DEPARTMENT OF PEDIATRICS
HSC-3G39, 521-2100, EXT 73268/73687
CHILD ADVOCACY & ASSESSMENT PROGRAM
@ HAMILTON HEALTH SCIENCES CENTRE (MCMASTER SITE)
|
February 10, 2000
Ms Trish Cox
Dufferin Child & Family Services
13-50 Forest Avenue
Orangeville ON L9W 4P1 |
RECEIVED
FEB 18 2000
DUFFERIN CHILD AND FAMILY SERVICES |
Dear Ms. Cox:
RE: McQuaid-Prosh Family CAAP Assessment
Thank you for your referral of the above-named family to
the Child Advocacy & Assessment Program. The referral
has been accepted and the following appointments have
been scheduled. Please advise the family of the
following appointments:
Robert McQuaid, Linda Prosh and Kenneth McQuaid
Wednesday, June 28 @ 11:00 am
Friday, July 7 @ 10:45 am
Friday July 14 @ 9:30 am
Friday, July 21 @ 10:45 am (Observation Session with Kenneth)
Friday, August 11 @ 10:45 am (Feedback Session for Robert & Linda)
Trish Cox and Nina Little
Wednesday, July 12 @ 10:00 am
All appointments are in the 3F clinic (third floor,
colour red) at Chedoke-McMaster Hospitals, 1200 Main
Street West, Hamilton. Upon your arrival, the
receptionist should be advised that you have an
appointment with CAAP.
Sincerely,
Linda Harris
Program Assistant
Child Advocacy & Assessment Program
/ljh
HAMILTON
HEALTH
SCIENCES
C o r p o r a t i o n |
Children's Hospital at Hamilton Health Sciences
Corporation is affiliated with the Faculty of Health
Sciences, McMaster University |
February 16, 2000
Children's Aid responds to Feb 2 letter
We are responding to the letter published in your
February 2nd edition by "A Concerned Parent". Child
protection is a difficult undertaking, filled with much
emotion by all parties involved. As child protection
workers we represent children who are most often left
without a voice to express their experiences and who are
unable to take actions to protect themselves from
neglect and abuse.
Our staff work with a large number of families every
year. The majority of our work does not involved
bringing children into our care. In fact, there are
many families who work with the Society on a voluntary
basis. The nature of our work, however, can result in
our involvement with parents in an involuntary and
intrusive manner.
As a result, we are not surprised, and in fact might
expect, that some parents would be less than pleased
with our interventions on behalf of their children. The
article published in the February edition tries to set
out some concerns about our agency which are not
unfamiliar to us, as most have already been heard and
attempts at resolution have been made.
However, since the complaints have now been raised in a
public forum, we feel an obligation to respond in order
to accurately inform our community.
Children's Aid Societies are subject to many checks and
balances on our legislated powers to intervene into
peoples lives. Children's Aid Societies are able to
investigate allegations and even to remove children from
their parents, with or without a warrant, when there are
reasonable grounds to believe they are at risk of
neglect or abuse or immediate harm.
Where children are involuntarily removed or
"apprehended", Societies must seek a court order within
five days to maintain those children in its care and as
such are subject to judicial review of all their
actions.
One example given in the recent article stated that
children had been apprehended because of "poor
housekeeping practices". Children are not apprehended
because of a lower than average standard of
housekeeping, which the author of the article would lead
readers to believe. Children are apprehended because of
feces on the floor, spoiled food on the counters,
mattresses with urine that children are made to sleep in
over and over.
Essentially, the standard of living needs to be such
that a child's medical health is at risk before they
would be apprehended. In fact, in one very long term
situation of this nature, the Society spent thousands of
dollars to provide housekeeping and support services to
try and maintain a group of siblings with their parents
rather than remove them.
Another case cited in the article states that children
were put up for adoption before a trial occurred.
Children cannot be adopted before they have been made a
crown ward by the courts or with the parents written
consents. To suggest that child protection workers
target certain sectors of our community or remove
children solely to place them for adoption is grossly
inaccurate and certainly could not be supported by the
records of the family court in this jurisdiction.
The Society works with a wide variety of people. These
are single parent families and there are two parent
families, there are low income and very high income
families. The Society does not choose who it will
become involved with. Neighbours, professionals,
children and spouses make reports to us and the Society
is responsible to act upon those reports.
We do that with highly educated social work staff
supported by senior supervisory staff with many years
experience. When the Society initiates court action,
Ontario Legal Aid guarantees representation for low
income parents in child welfare hearings. it is always
our goal in court actions to minimize court time and
cost by trying to reach agreement between all parties
while not jeopardizing the safety of the children
involved. The legitimate access by parents to proper
legal representation in child welfare hearings is
closely guarded by the family courts and supported by
our staff.
In addition to judicial reviews, Children's Aid
Societies are legally subject to the supervision of the
Ministry of Community and Social Services through three
annual case audits, annual foster care licensing reviews
and supervision by Ministry staff.
Societies are also required by law to have local
mechanisms to allow parents or children to voice their
concerns and to reach a resolution of the concerns
through a progressive process involving agency staff,
the voluntary community Board and finally the Ministry
of Community and Social Services.
Any client of Dufferin Child and Family Services is made
aware of this during service or upon request either
verbally or through a pamphlet which clearly outlines
the process. Naturally, as a public agency it is not
uncommon for us to also be publically accountable to our
community through media reports such as this. Despite
these many avenues of accountability, some individuals
will always be unsatisfied.
There are many families involved with the Society who
are simply going through some challenges in their lives
and require some assistance. There are also families
who are harmful to their children, and whose children
require protection.
We fundamentally believe that children should be raised
by their own families. However, if a child is being
harmed physically, sexually, emotionally or otherwise
neglected their needs and rights will be paramount in
our actions.
We recognize that some individuals will always be
critical. Despite that, we believe they have a right to
express legitimate concerns and complaints and we will
continue to go the extra mile to attempt a resolution.
Those individuals who recently met to share their
concerns about our agency are most welcome to again
address them directly to me, jointly with the President
of our Board of Directors. You may call me at 941-1530
Ext 224, to arrange a convenient meeting time and/or you
may wish to provide your views in writing for our
review.
Gary Putman
Executive Director
Since Linda would consent only to internet publicity,
not print journalism, I was unable to send the following
response, even after a day of discussion. - RTMQ
On February 2, 2000 you published a letter relating to
Children's Aid signed by "A Concerned Parent", followed
on February 16 by a rebuttal from Gary Putman, Executive
Director of Dufferin Children's Aid.
I am one of the people attacked by Mr Putman's
organization. On November 16, 1999 an action was
initiated against us by taking our child with the aid of
a warrant and two OPP officers. We then had to plead
for conditions to have our child returned, events
meeting the dictionary definition of kidnaping. I was
astonished to find that such a legal procedure existed.
In the intervening three months I have undertaken a
crash education in this area. The law is titled "The
Child and Family Services Act" (1984), enacted at a time
of hysteria about child-molesters. In thousands of
words, there are no provisions protective of parents.
The law allows Children's Aid Societies to take children
from their parents and place them in foster homes under
the doctrine of "the best interests of the child". With
this doctrine, some Canadian Indian bands suffered half
of their children adopted out to white families. Indian
objections to slow genocide led to protections from the
law, but only for Indians. In 1999 amendments, every
revision makes it easier for Children's Aid to remove
children from their natural parents.
There is a pervasive fear among all persons having
contact with Children's Aid, extending even to those not
yet involved but subject to denunciation. I have
personally spoken to most of the people mentioned by A
Concerned Parent. It was difficult to get any of them
to give a name or phone number, out of fear of
retaliation by Children's Aid.
As Mr Putman states, some clients come to Children's Aid
voluntarily, but all I have spoken to regret their
decision to do so.
As for "poor housekeeping practices", Mr Putman says
removal only occurs for such abuses as feces on the
floor (did you ever drop something during a diaper
change?), spoiled food on the counters (ever have
spoilage in your kitchen?) or mattresses with urine. He
neglects to mention that Children's Aid routinely makes
these allegations regardless of the facts.
I have the names of a mother and the adoptive family
that took her children before her trial. Only paper
formalities remained for the aftermath. The law grants
Children's Aid a club called crown wardship, ending
parental rights so they can never see their own children
again. By law, the same agency that takes children from
their natural parents supplies them to adoptive parents.
The law provides for crown wardship when "there is a
substantial risk that the child will suffer physical
harm, inflicted by the person having charge of the child
or caused by that person's failure to care and provide
for or to supervise and protect the child adequately".
This provision could strip children from Mother Teresa.
The legal aid touted by Mr Putman is no doubt available,
but is useless in the face of laws that give all power
to Children's Aid. Children's Aid workers have immunity
from all legal actions. As for appeal through the
agency itself or the ministry, the minister will ignore
any case before the courts.
Mr Putman continues " ... could not be supported by the
records of the family court in this jurisdiction". This
is true because the court records are secret. I was
turned down in a request to see the files, and I could
not even count Children's Aid cases. I challenge Mr
Putman to open his records to research so a scientist
can count children protected from abuse as well as false
allegations of abuse.
Ministry of Community and Social Services |
Ministère des Services sociaux et communautaires |
Child Abuse Register
2 Bloor St W 24th Fl
Toronto Ont M7A 1E9
(416)327-4660
March 28, 2000
postmarked April 11, 2000 |
Robert McQuaid
Linda Prosh (one copy mailed to each)
RR 5
Orangeville ON L9W 2Z2
Dear Mr McQuaid:
This letter is to inform you that you were reported to
the Family and Children's Services County of Dufferin as
allegedly having abused Kenneth McQuaid. Following
their investigation, the Society is now satisfied that
the information is verified and reportable abuse
occurred. The Society is required by law, Child and
Family Services Act (CFSA) Section 75(3), to send a
report on this matter to the Child Abuse Register, held
in Toronto by the Ministry of Community and Social
Services.
The Child Abuse Register is maintained by the Ministry
of Community and Social Services pursuant to Section
75(5) of the CFSA. The Register is used as a tool in
the overall effort to protect children and in the
prevention of child abuse. More specifically,
information maintained on it provides a general register
check for child abuse investigations conducted by
Children's Aid Societies. Statistical data is also
drawn from information on the Register.
If any further report of abuse by you is received by and
Children's Aid Society, the fact that you are on the
Register may be made known to that Society.
The law states that you or your representative may
examine the Register. You may request that your name be
removed or that the Register be otherwise amended.
As a result of this request, the Director may at that
stage decide to remove your name from the Register.
Before he can refuse your request, you are entitled to a
hearing by the Director or his designate.
For further details, see the attached excerpt from the
CFSA, 1984.
If you have any questions about the collection of this
information or if you wish to examine your information
or seek an expunction, call or write to Sandra MacAulay
at the above phone number or address.
Yours truly,
M R Seymour
MR Seymour
Director
Encl. (CFSA sections 75-76 were enclosed)
cc: Children's Aid Society Orangeville Ontario
File No: 2000-00154
THE CHILD ABUSE REGISTER
The Child and Family Services Act requires that the
local Children's Aid Society (CAS) investigate all
reports of suspected child abuse. After its
investigation, the staff of the CAS then decide whether
the information verifies that there was an incident of
abuse. The CAS also decides what action to take to
protect the abused child. If the CAS decides, on the
basis of their review, that abuse has occurred, a report
must then be sent to the Child Abuse Register at the
head office of the Ministry of Community and Social
Services.
The purpose of the Register is to enable Children's Aid
Societies to find out quickly whether a child or an
alleged abuser has been involved in any previous case.
This information will help them in deciding what the
proper protection for the child should be. The Register
serves to record the name of the abused child, the name
of the alleged abuser and a few details such as the date
of the incident, the child's age and the name of the CAS
that made the report. All the information in the
Register is carefully protected under the law and
remains highly confidential.
If however, a child is repeatedly abused, or an adult
continues to abuse children, the Children's Aid Society
has access to this information which may help them
arrive at better decisions for helping the abuser and
protecting the child.
Director for the Child Abuse Register
[Before our organizing, Children's Aid had 32 members.
I sent each of them this letter, getting two proxies in
return. The letter may have come to the judge's
attention indirectly. -RTMQ]
Help Fix Children's Aid!
The Dufferin Children's Aid Society has switched from
protecting children to attacking families. Specific
policies are permanent removal of children from intact
families, long-term removal of children for trifling
abuses, failure to provide in-family assistance for
families with serious problems, undermining parental
authority in families with teen-aged children, and
avoidance of serious child-abuse cases by turning
against the accusers.
The best interest of the child is in keeping his
parents. Children's Aid should apply its resources to
protect children by assisting and preserving families,
not attacking them.
Specific policies we advocate are:
- Children should not be removed from homes until the
parents have had an opportunity to respond to the
complaints against them.
- Since the most abusive homes are broken homes, foster
homes and group homes, children should be removed from
families only when the families provide a level of
care worse than foster homes.
- Children's Aid workers should stop omitting facts
favorable to families in court filings.
- Children's Aid should abide by its agreements with
parents.
We are asking for your proxy to cast your vote at the
annual general meeting of Children's Aid. These proxies
will be used to vote for two directors
- Lillian Brewer. Lillian has two children and two
grandchildren. She is employed as a factory worker.
- Robert T McQuaid. Robert has one child. He has been
the president of Quaid Software Limited since 1983.
The terms of the directors end in June of 2003. Neither
of these candidates has previously served as an officer
or director of Children's Aid, and neither has any
financial obligation to Childrens's Aid, nor anticipates
any financial loss or gain as a result of this election.
Directors serve without compensation. You are free to
revoke this proxy later by signing another one, or by
attending the meeting in person.
If you want to help fix Children's Aid, please date and
sign the enclosed proxy form, and return it in the
envelope provided. Feel free to call with any
questions.
June 5, 2000
/signed/
Robert T McQuaid RR 5 Orangeville Ontario L9W 2Z2
phone: 519-942-0565
Disgruntled residents unsuccessful in bid to join DCFS
board
THE BANNER, Orangeville, FRIDAY, June 23, 2000
Robert McQuaid and Lillian Brewer want to see some
changes at local agency
by ELIZABETH JACKMAN
For the Banner
A bit of controversy surrounded this year's annual
general meeting of Dufferin Child and Family Services
held Tuesday evening at the Monora Park Pavilion.
Two local people decided to run against the four
incumbents on the 12-member board of directors.
According to Gary Putman, Executive Director, every year
four vacancies come up on the board.
Candidates are usually chosen by a nominating committee
however, the bylaw does allow for any two members of the
society to nominate two people.
This year, the new members, Robert McQuaid and Lillian
Brewer, who have become disgruntled with the Child and
Family Services, decided to take advantage of the bylaw
and run.
"In my 22 years experience, it has always been the
nominating committee choosing four candidates. This
year there were six individuals running for four spots",
said Putman.
Although McQuaid and Brewer were unsuccessful in their
bid to gain a seat on the board, McQuaid says he is not
going to give up his attempts to try to bring about
reforms to the service.
"Children's Aid has become a group that is distinctly
anti-family. Quite a few families have been
relentlessly attacked by Children's Aid, and even when
they find out no child abuse has occurred, (they)
continue the attack", said McQuaid.
McQuaid is a Mono resident who has had personal dealings
with the DCFS.
The other candidate, Lillian Brewer, says she ran for
the position because she wanted to see if she could help
families stay together, which doesn't seem to be what is
happening now.
"They are pulling children out of the home instead of
finding ways to keep them there", said Brewer. "No one
I have talked to that have had anything to do with Child
and Family Services hasn't had a problem, but they won't
speak up because they are afraid of them. You are just
one phone call away from losing your children because
you are automatically guilty until proven innocent".
"I would like to see them focus more on the family
unit", said Brewer. "People have asked for help and
then they turned it against them and took their young
kids. It should be a place for children to be safe and
taken care of".
Brewer, who like McQuaid has had personal dealings with
the agency, said she ran to make a point, that she
doesn't believe in what they are doing.
Putman would not comment on either case, other than to
say, "the issues raised by the two candidates were
individual issues to their particular situation and they
do not reflect the philosophy of this organization or
the Child and Family Services Act. We do have clients
on our board, our membership simply chose not to elect
these two individuals".
Both McQuaid and Brewer said that when Child and Family
Services realized what was going on they signed on about
40 new members, including many policemen to prevent them
from being elected.
McQuaid says he feels something has to be done, or the
problems will continue on a larger scale. "They have to
realize, that breaking up a family is not going to
accomplish anything", said McQuaid.
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Dufferin VOCA
