Warning: This multi-part series deals with the physical abuse of vulnerable children in the public school system. If you or someone you love is experiencing trauma-related symptoms from physical abuse, please seek help. Resources in Canada can be found here: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/health-promotion/stop-family-violence/services.html For children, Kids Help Phone: Call 1-800-668-6868 (toll-free) or text CONNECT to 686868.

“We can’t be part of keeping the silence.”

Where does a parent go when they discover their child has been restrained and secluded at school without their knowledge? For many Yukon residents, the Office of the Child and Youth Advocate is their first call.

Over several months – stretching into years – Annette King and the staff at the YCAO became the holders of the stories of abuse and physical harm in the public school system.

The Yukon Child and Youth Advocate Office gives children a voice, and acts in an advocacy role to ensure that the rights of children are upheld. It’s a safe place for families looking for next steps when there has been a violation of the rights of their child.

The Child and Youth Advocate also reports on system level issues as they arise. Shortly after the RCMP disclosure of their impending investigation into the use of restraints and seclusion at Jack Hulland Elementary (November 2021), the Office of the Child and Youth Advocate released a statement outlining their intended role in protecting the rights of children through this process.

In March, 2022, Annette King spoke out publicly on their frustration with the lack of any action regarding the many stories of child assault and confinement at Jack Hulland Elementary School.

She was very clear about what she was hearing from children and families about what happened to the kids who attended Jack Hulland Elementary School.

She also addressed her concern that administrators who spoke out and tried to stop the abuse, were subsequently removed from their positions, creating an environment of fear, and implicating political interference.

These allegations of interference were discussed in the Yukon Legislative Assembly, and flatly denied by the Minister of Education.

About 6 weeks later, the Yukon Department of Education released a few of the findings of its own internal investigation into the allegations of physical abuse at Jack Hulland Elementary., confirming that restraints were used inappropriately, and seclusion was also used even though it was banned. The Child Youth Advocate once again weighed in.

For families who are just now discovering that their child was physically disciplined and/or confined at Jack Hulland Elementary School, the Office of the Child Youth Advocate in Whitehorse remains a safe place to share your story privately, and get reliable information about next steps.

The Child & Youth Advocate Office is an independent office of the Legislative Assembly committed to upholding children’s rights and amplifying the views of young people. The operations of the office are guided by the Child and Youth Advocate Act.

Children, youth or others concerned about a child or youth receiving services within Yukon Government can contact the Child and Youth Advocate Office at (867) 456-5575.

References:

Child Advocate concerned with inadequate government action in investigation at Jack Hulland (March 2022) https://www.ycao.ca/post/child-advocate-concerned-with-inadequate-government-action-in-investigation-at-jack-hulland

Child and Youth Advocate to review issues with restraints and confinement at Jack Hulland Elementary: https://www.ycao.ca/post/child-and-youth-advocate-to-review-issues-with-restraints-and-confinement-at-jack-hulland-elementary

Yukon child advocate keeping a close eye on Jack Hulland Elementary School review, investigation https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/yukon-child-advocate-jack-hulland-findings-1.6465627

Child and Youth advocate alleges physical discipline and isolation at Jack Hulland “We can’t be part of keeping the silence.” https://www.yukon-news.com/news/child-and-youth-advocate-alledges-physical-discipline-and-isolation-at-jack-hulland-7002726

Featured image by Jeremiah Lawrence on Unsplash

Class Action Lawsuit: Were you (or someone you know) a student at Jack Hulland Elementary School in Whitehorse, Yukon during the years 2007 to 2022? You may be entitled to compensation as part of a class action lawsuit against the Yukon Department of Education. Please contact Tucker-Carruthers Yukon Law for more information. Website: https://tuckercarruthers.ca/ or contact Heather Jordan, Paralegal at 867-667-2099 or email hjordan@yukonlaw.com

Who I Am: My name is Donna Miller Fry. I was Superintendent of Schools in Whitehorse, Yukon when I became aware that prior to my arrival, children at Jack Hulland Elementary School were being restrained and secluded as a method of discipline – for years. I (and others) reported this to the RCMP on November 29, 2021. Since then, the Department of Education has admitted the inappropriate use of restraints and seclusion. The victims have resorted to legal action to obtain professional support in addressing the impacts of trauma. This can never happen again in the public school system. By telling this story, I hope to empower education leaders to ensure vulnerable children are never again the victims of abuse in the very place that should be dedicated to their flourishing.