Faith Rich’s initial involvement with the child protection system commenced just three weeks after her birth when she was taken from her mother’s care and placed under the care of extended family members. Her final encounter with the system occurred 22 years later, as she faced challenges as a mother of two on the brink of tragic circumstances.
According to family lawyer Robby Ash, the entirety of Rich’s experience within the child protection system indicated a lack of empowerment and independence, leading to irreversible consequences throughout her life and eventual passing. Ash emphasized that from early infancy to adulthood, Rich’s autonomy was consistently undermined by the system, resulting in detrimental outcomes.
Rich’s passing was one of six cases examined in a public inquiry investigating the treatment and outcomes of Innu individuals within the child protection system. All six youths involved were from the Innu community of Natuashish. While reports on each death remain confidential, the closing arguments presented by family attorneys shed light on the challenges faced by these individuals within the system.
Ash highlighted that Rich’s early life was marked by a series of sudden and informal placements without adequate support from social workers. The lack of vetting and assistance in these transitions contributed to a pattern of disempowerment within her family, leading to ongoing instability and risky behaviors throughout her childhood.
Throughout her upbringing, Rich’s struggles were met with insufficient intervention from the child protection system, with reports of concerning behaviors being overlooked and crucial moments of need being neglected. Despite brief periods of stability in structured environments such as care facilities, Rich often faced abrupt discharges without adequate transition plans, exacerbating her vulnerability and challenges.
As Rich navigated motherhood, the system’s interventions continued, with her children being placed in care outside her community, further isolating her from familial support. In the final stages of her life, Rich experienced acute vulnerability, culminating in her tragic passing by suicide in 2021.
In light of these circumstances, Ash proposed the establishment of an Innu parent advocate within the system to bridge the communication gap between Innu parents and social workers, addressing power imbalances and cultural disconnects. This suggestion was met with interest by inquiry commissioners, who acknowledged the potential for such a role to improve the child protection system, pending endorsement by Innu leadership.
For those in need of support, resources such as Canada’s Suicide Crisis Helpline, Kids Help Phone, and the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention are available to provide assistance during challenging times.
