WARNING: This article contains allegations of child abuse.
Prior to the tragic passing of a 12-year-old boy in the care of his potential adoptive guardians, the Childrenâs Aid Society (CAS) had been alerted multiple times about concerns of potential abuse and neglect, a court in Ontario has been informed.
Despite receiving these reports, the boy and his younger sibling were under the care of Brandy Cooney and Becky Hamber for more than five years, from October 2017 to December 2022. Tragically, the boy was discovered emaciated, drenched, and unresponsive in their Burlington residence.
Following this incident, the boy passed away shortly after being admitted to the hospital. Both Cooney and Hamber are currently standing trial, facing charges of first-degree murder in the case of the boy, identified as L.L., as well as accusations of confinement, assault with a weapon, and failure to provide adequate care to his brother, J.L.
While the identities of the boys are protected by a publication ban, the trial in Milton began last month and is anticipated to extend into December.
Although no representatives from CAS have testified yet regarding their actions, the organization itself is not on trial. Nevertheless, this case has brought to light inquiries about CAS’s involvement in the boys’ lives leading up to the tragic demise of L.L.
These Indigenous boys were under the care of CAS of Ottawa.
Grandmother Fought Against Boys’ Move
L.L. and J.L. were born in Ottawa around two years apart and initially resided with their birth parents and grandparents in the city before being placed with Heather Walsh and her family, who testified as their long-standing foster parents.
During the adoption process initiated by Cooney and Hamber, the boys’ grandmother opposed the move in court but was unsuccessful, as per Walsh’s testimony.
In 2017, the boys were relocated to Burlington, with the Halton CAS assuming daily supervision responsibilities. However, Cooney and Hamber never completed the adoption process.
Erin Nolan, a therapist at a childrenâs mental health center in Oakville, expressed concerns about the women’s handling of the children’s needs and their interactions with service providers.
Nolan disclosed that the women declined therapy services for L.L. and J.L., citing discomfort with mandatory reporting to children’s aid and expressing fears of disruptive interventions by CAS.
Reports to CAS by Therapist and Police
The Crown has alleged that Cooney and Hamber struggled to provide proper care for the boys, showcasing signs of hatred, neglect, and abuse. The defense, however, has emphasized the boys’ challenging behavior and the lack of support from children’s aid for the women’s difficulties.
Attachment therapist Beth Sibley, who worked with the boys, raised early concerns about the women’s parenting capabilities. Sibley reported an incident involving excessive punishment to children’s aid during her sessions with the boys.
Additionally, Halton police reported a distressing incident at the women’s home to CAS, citing concerns regarding the boys’ adjustment difficulties and living conditions.
J.L.’s Grade 2 teacher, Sara Biasetti, made multiple calls to children’s aid due to escalating concerns about the boy’s well-being and distressing disclosures from him about his home life.
These calls highlighted instances of self-harm and disturbing living conditions experienced by the boys at the hands of Cooney and Hamber.
Educators’ Efforts and Concerns
L.L.’s Grade 4 teacher, Sara Ferraro, shared similar apprehensions along with Biasetti, expressing regret and sorrow over the tragic outcome for L.L.
Ferraro described restrictions imposed by Cooney and Hamber on L.L.’s daily activities at school, indicating a pattern of controlling behavior and alarming language used by the women to describe the child.
Despite these challenges, Ferraro noted that L.L. was an enthusiastic learner without significant behavioral issues beyond what is typical for his age group.
The educators, along with CAS workers, advocated for the boys’ return to full-time schooling, emphasizing their desire to provide a normal childhood experience for J.L.
However, due to various circumstances, including the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the boys never resumed regular schooling before L.L.’s passing in 2022.
Post-Tragedy Observations
Dr. Nora Labib, who