May 23, 2014
Province Accepts Report on the Inquest into Death of Jaylene Redhead
The province will take steps to further strengthen the child-welfare system as it accepts the recommendations of the inquest into the death of Jaylene Redhead, Family Services Minister Kerri Irvin-Ross said today.
“This was a tragic death and we want to thank Judge Lawrence Allen for his recommendations that will help improve the child-welfare system and protect our most vulnerable children,” said Minister Irvin-Ross. “This report reinforces the work that is already underway to strengthen those protections.”
On June 29, 2009, Jaylene Redhead was killed by her mother, Nicole Redhead, while they were staying at the Native Women’s Transition Centre in Winnipeg. On April 20, 2011, Nicole Redhead pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the death of her daughter and received a 12-year sentence, which is currently being served.
The inquest report makes recommendations to the province, as well as to child-welfare authorities and agencies, on ways to improve the system and provide better protection to children in care, the minister said.
“Work is underway with the Manitoba Child and Family Service authorities to develop clearer standards that will help front-line workers protect children,” Minister Irvin-Ross said. “As well, stronger standards for community organizations that provide services to child-welfare clients are being drafted. These will include an annual audit.
“Judge Allen reinforced the message that child-welfare workers and agencies must keep good notes and enter data into the information system to ensure no child falls through the cracks. We will work with authorities and agencies to follow through on this recommendation.”
The province will continue providing supports to authorities for fetal alcohol spectrum disorder specialists and require authorities and agencies to enter into agreements with community organizations that provide services to child-welfare clients.
The Province of Manitoba is committed to working with authorities, agencies and other service providers to support families while focusing on the collective priority of child safety, the minister said.
The inquest report is online at: www.manitobacourts.mb.ca/site/assets/files/1051/redhead_jaylene_inquest.pdf
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