Children's aid system faces heightened calls for change after Ontario couple's murder, torture convictions

An Ontario couple, Becky Hamber and Brandy Cooney, were convicted of murder and other charges after subjecting two Indigenous brothers, L.L. and J.L., to years of abuse while fostering them in Burlington. L.L., who died in December 2022 at age 12, was found emaciated and unresponsive in the couple’s basement, while his brother, J.L., now 14, testified about the abuse during their trial in September 2024. The case has exposed systemic failures in Canada’s child welfare system, particularly the oversight by the Children’s Aid Society (CAS). Despite multiple reports of concerns about the boys’ treatment, neither the Ottawa CAS (which had custody) nor the Halton CAS (which supervised the foster home) conducted unannounced visits or interviewed the children without the couple present, as required. Sherry Saevil, an Indigenous advocate from Mistawasis First Nation and member of Circle of Beads, criticized the CAS for failing to intervene. She called for immediate reforms, emphasizing that Indigenous children are disproportionately affected by a system that ignores their cultural needs. Saevil stated that healing is impossible without collaboration between child welfare agencies and Indigenous communities. The Ottawa and Halton CAS agencies have previously reviewed the case following L.L.’s death and claimed to have made changes, though specifics remain undisclosed. Both agencies declined to comment on the recent court ruling, which explicitly absolved the CAS of responsibility for the abuse. The case has intensified demands for accountability and cultural competency in child protection services across Ontario.