The tragic death of a seven-year-old girl in Granby, Quebec, has been investigated by a coroner who found that the youth protection system, along with the school and health-care networks, failed to effectively safeguard her. The coroner, Géhane Kamel, released her report and recommendations after more than six years since the girl’s death in 2019, which resulted in significant reforms to Quebec’s youth protection system.
The girl, who had been under the care of youth protection since birth, was discovered to have been forcibly confined and malnourished. Her father was sentenced to three years and six months in January 2022, while her stepmother received a life sentence without parole for 13 years after being convicted of second-degree murder and forcible confinement.
Kamel emphasized that this tragedy has raised critical questions about the treatment of children in Quebec, pointing out numerous warning signs that were overlooked. She highlighted the importance of timely intervention and coordination among professionals to provide child-centered support, noting that the lack of cohesion among various stakeholders hindered the system’s ability to protect the child.
Valérie Assouline, the family’s lawyer, acknowledged the relevance of the coroner’s recommendations, emphasizing the importance of listening to children and fulfilling the duty of care towards them. Lesley Hill, the director of youth protection, pledged to enhance child protection services following this incident, emphasizing the agency’s commitment to implementing the coroner’s recommendations.
Quebec Social Services Minister Lionel Carmant expressed shock at the details of the case and affirmed the need for further action to prevent similar tragedies in the future. Kamel’s report highlighted the concerning indicators regarding the girl’s well-being and the missed opportunities for intervention that could have prevented her death.
The young girl’s tragic demise, marked by external suffocation, revealed a series of red flags in her history, including frequent police interventions at her home and visible signs of neglect and abuse. Kamel also noted that the girl’s potential was overshadowed by challenging behaviors and the inadequate responses from those responsible for her care.
In a heartfelt letter addressed to the girl in the report, Kamel lamented the injustice and silence that led to her untimely death, emphasizing that she deserved a life filled with love, joy, and security. The coroner stressed the ongoing need for systemic improvements to protect vulnerable children and ensure their well-being in Quebec’s youth protection system.
