Advocating for Change in regards to lawsuits for reporting to a society

[Teagansmom]

Uhbukhbubkuhbkuhbuh

[HBCCadvocate]

I have just pm'd you. A suggestion: also include the College of ECE's (CECE) in any of your email trails - they regulate the ECE profession (ethics, standards of practice) and I would think they would be interested to know that someone has been penalized for responding to 'duty to report'. All adults in Canada, part of a professional group or not, are required to report suspected abuse

College of Early Childhood Educators
438 University Avenue, Suite 1900
Toronto ON M5G 2K8
Telephone: 416 961-8558
Toll-free: 1 888 961-8558
info@college-ece.ca
or
General complaints and discipline inquiries – discipline@college-ece.ca

[Teagansmom]

Hbikhbilbuiluhliuhli u

[torontokids]

I would include the Association of Social Workers as well. The College of Social Workers is more interested in regulating the social workers but the Association is a strong advocacy group and this may interest them.

[Dreamalittledream]

May I also suggest setting up a 'Go Fund Me' account? I know I personally would be happy to provide some financial support toward your legal and administrative fees on this battle:) https://www.gofundme.com/questions/

[Teagansmom]

Luluiblijhliuhulihl

[5 Little Monkeys]

My sister did set up a campaign. Here is the link...unfortunately due to third party go fund me uses where funds are deposited the companies policy is that money can't be used to pay off spousal support, child support or court orders.

http://www.gofundme.com/supporttammy

I didn't donate much but I hope it all adds up soon and you reach your goal!! I've never donated to a gofundme cause....what can you use the money on and when can you start to use it??

[Teagansmom]

Hugkuhvuykgkugykuyb

[5 Little Monkeys]

No problem, you're welcome!

[kindertime]

I believe it is really important for a hundred reasons, most we can understand, protection of children but also for making people aware of a system that could allow this to happen. And it could happen to any of us. I don't think I could afford a lawyer either. Can you use the money to help support your advocacy campaign? I don't know whether or not a letter from me would make any difference, being in another province but I'm thinking about it. I did write an email to the other HDPs that I know telling them about your situation.

[Teagansmom]

Johbjohbilhbjlhbhljb lihbl

[5 Little Monkeys]

Good luck and good for you!!

[Teagansmom]

Hobhlibhliblihbil

[Teagansmom]

Ihhblihluibliublihb

[5 Little Monkeys]

I started to watch CTV Toronto but than realized there is also CBC Toronto....so now I have both recording and will watch them later. I didn't see the story in the first 30 mins of CTV.

[5 Little Monkeys]

It's on CityTv Toronto :)

Aww man....I'll have to search for that one now!! (Or is that the same as ctv?) lol...can you tell I rarely watch the news lol

[torontokids]

Wow, it's amazing how much time they spent on your story. I hope good things come from having this go to the media. They seemed to really care about the injustice of it all and the story had a spin of empathy toward you but also the risks for future cases. Good Luck!

[playfelt]

I'm really glad this has gone to the media. Good to see that even Queen's Park is upset by the ruling. Hoping for a positive outcome and nothing short of a reversal of the ruling would be acceptable.

[Van]

I am so glad you went with City news and I was impressed how they covered it too
and good for you , as you got your points across so well - it showed how the judge was so wrong in this case.

[5 Little Monkeys]

http://www.citynews.ca/2015/03/24/exclusive-home-daycare-owner-sued-after-reporting-case-of-suspected-neglect/

Thank you for the link!! Much appreciated :)

Tammy, I thought they did a great job at covering your story and I really hope that this ends in your favour. Has anyone contacted the judge? I just can't believe he made this ruling...it angers me! I would love to know if he regrets his decision.

I really hope this doesn't prevent people from calling in suspected neglect or abuse. We, especially as caregivers, have the obligation to report and nobody should be punished for doing so honestly without malicious intent.

PS. Your hdc looks amazing and so warm and welcoming as well as so much fun!! Great job!

[kindertime]

Tammy, I watched the story on CityNews last night. I have also shared it on Facebook. Thank you. I know that it was a very difficult decision for you to make whether or not to go to the media. I don't know whether it will help you in the long run, but hopefully, you will have made a positive difference for someone else.

I think I can understand why you have gone back and deleted your old posts. For those of us who had read them, we know your story. For anyone new to this forum, who didn't have the opportunity to read them, I wanted to say, I believe I would have done the same thing. I believe that most of us here would have done the same as you. You followed the rules, you followed your gut and you tried to protect a child. No one should ask for anything more.

Thank you again, and I wish you and your family the best of luck in the future.

[torontokids]

Abababibabibabibabib

Are you making fun of her? Have some sensitivity.

[torontokids]

As someone who has made multiple reports to CAS myself as a social worker, I know how difficult it is to make these reports. Even when you don't think that parent could or would do what is suspected it is still our duty to make sure it is reported and let the CAS do their investigating. I worked intimately with a family for over 6 months, made a couple calls to CAS re:concerns. CAS was already involved and working with the family. A child in that family later died and although it was ruled accidental I will always wonder if I could have done more as there were some clear parenting deficits.

[adaycarelady]

I just thought it was funny that's all so I replied with my funny response. Geez why do people got to think the worst right away?

[3rdtimesacharm]

I just thought it was funny that's all so I replied with my funny response. Geez why do people got to think the worst right away?

I think that had you given an ouce of thought as to why she has removed all of her comments from this thread, among others, you wouldn't find your response so "funny".

[Van]

Wow!! Even better coverage today as the 2nd day on Toronto's city new
at 5 and 6 - I love the way they are asking the leader of the CASs and the Prim. of Ontario about this case and the result of Tammy to pay the fine and court fees would put others off reporting to CAS in future :)

[3rdtimesacharm]

Was it on again today? I'll have to pvr the 11pm coverage!!

[adaycarelady]

I think that had you given an ouce of thought as to why she has removed all of her comments from this thread, among others, you wouldn't find your response so "funny".

I know exactly why she removed her comments and have been following this story and been supporting her. I have done the exact same thing (removing comments) and would delete everything except the first sentence (which I thought was funny btw) since daycarebear does not allow a person to delete a thread they started. The main thing that was funny about her post was the combination of the letters she used in Uhbukhbubkuhbkuhbuh. I really liked how it ended "kuhbuh". You need to lighten up and relax.

[kindertime]

Another news source has picked up the story.

http://globalnews.ca/news/1903846/daycare-operator-successfully-sued-after-making-complaint-to-cas/

[3rdtimesacharm]

Yay! Glad to see another media source has picked it up! It is outrageous to say the least and Tammy deserves all the support she can get in this case!

[kindertime]

...and from the Toronto Sun...

http://www.torontosun.com/2015/03/26/daycare-worker-eyes-appeal-after-being-sued-for-contacting-cas

[innisfildaycare]

this is amazing!! Im so glad this went to the media!!

[kindertime]

...and the Star...

http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2015/03/27/daycare-operator-sued-for-calling-the-cas.html

[5 Little Monkeys]

What do they mean when they say you called selfishly to protect yourself, not the child? To protect yourself from what?

[torontokids]

I believe they mean to "cover herself" in case something did happen to the kid.

[5 Little Monkeys]

Hmm, that doesn't make sense ....unless she called CFS on all the families? I just keep thinking that judge is an idiot...

[kindertime]

Hmm, that doesn't make sense ....unless she called CFS on all the families? I just keep thinking that judge is an idiot...

You are absolutely right, none of it makes sense. I may have said this before... but there are some people who don't "believe" in daycare. I have had several parents over the years tell me that a doctor told them their kids shouldn't be in daycare. So maybe this judge is one of those. ???

[5 Little Monkeys]

Oh my....I get that some don't "believe" in daycare for their family (and that's fine!) but to have a doctor say they shouldn't be in one is just ridiculous!!

[torontokids]

One of our colleagues is under fire! If you read the comments after some of the news stories and articles, poor Tammy is being ripped apart. I feel for her. It took a lot of courage to go to the media and it is unfair to be raked over the coals. If you want to support Tammy I would suggest you respond to some of these negative commenters to help counter some of the negativity/educate some of the "haters, send her a PM of encouragement. Imagine if this was you!

[flowerchild]

I finally had a chance to read some of the articles. I'm really surprised that the Minister of Children and Youth agreed with the judge. That seems like a dangerous precedent.

[Polkaroo]

Out of curiosity, since I've been IMA for quite sometime, what is this story about. I would love to support her if I can.

[Polkaroo]

Never mind, found the links. I feel horrible this is happening. I wouldn't wish this on anyone. The parents might have been stressed, but they should recognize that she is only looking for their child's best interest. Would they want her not to care. So sad. Wish ppl wouldn't act on their initial emotions and see that if they're doing nothing wrong, CAS would just dismiss it. This ruling was wrong in so many ways. I thought reports to CAS were anonymous?

[kindertime]

Any fans of CBC out there? Well, even if you're not, I would encourage anyone who is interested in getting this story wider coverage than just Toronto news, please contact the following CBC programs.

The Current airs on Radio 1 from 8:30am-10am. And As It Happens airs from 6:30pm to 8:00pm. Both are on weekdays. Both cover current events and both cover their stories well. I have done this already. Maybe if more people do...


http://www.cbc.ca/radio/thecurrent/contact

http://www.cbc.ca/radio/asithappens/contact

[kindertime]

One of our colleagues is under fire! If you read the comments after some of the news stories and articles, poor Tammy is being ripped apart. I feel for her. It took a lot of courage to go to the media and it is unfair to be raked over the coals. If you want to support Tammy I would suggest you respond to some of these negative commenters to help counter some of the negativity/educate some of the "haters, send her a PM of encouragement. Imagine if this was you!

I completely agree with the sentiment in your post, however, IMO, the brand new adage "haters gonna hate" is true. Anyone who would go on a news site like that a spout that kind of garbage will not be put down by a few sensible words. They are best left to their small little worlds so those of us who wish to be informed and responsible can do so. The news organizations allow these commentors, for what reason, I'm not sure but we don't have to sink to their level.

So, yes, I believe we should support Tammy, I just think it will be her words that will be the most powerful ones to tell her story. That is why I have posted the links to the CBC's current events programs.

Oh, and in case anyone missed it before http://www.gofundme.com/supporttammy

[Teagansmom]

UPDATE

Met with a lawyer and he suggested that my best option for an appeal would be based on the representation I had. If I won the appeal I would get a whole new trial. Unfortunately if I choose to go ahead with the appeal the lawyer could not work pro bono as it would be a lot of work. Since giving up my career and not having an income I don't see how I can continue on. Not to mention if I won the appeal I would have more legal costs for the new trial.

It truly is sad that the justice system is based on finances especially for middle income people who don't qualify for legal aid. I did the right thing and because I didn't have enough funds I lost my case. I'm not able to financially afford an appeal so I'm therefore left with having to give up. A big lesson learned for me. If you don't have enough money to hire a good legal team....don't report. Look the other way and worry about you and yours. SAD BUT TRUE!!!!
I will still be fighting in the background to change policies....CAS should be required to testify in these matters. If CAS felt someone had reasonable grounds that's all that should matter.

[ebhappydc]

I really hope you do the before/after school program, and hope you and your family recover soon from this ordeal. The daycare world is a better place with you in it. Children r really lucky to have you.