So far, I was first given a transcribed "summary" of my records. That is great and all, but it is not what I am looking for. I am looking for some emotional connectivity to my past.

By reading what someone has typed onto a plain sheet of paper, with no original hand writing, or any proof of the past, it is very clinical, or very distant to me.

I want to see the original documents. I want to see the hand writing.. even if only photo-copies of them. that...... is what I want the most. I compare it to someone telling you your mother sends you a hug, versus your mother realy giving you a hug.

After recieving this "summary" I was very disapointed. I called the worker who was assigned my case, and told in no uncertain terms that this was a very pathetic excuse for my life. Granted she did a lot of work on the transcription, it was not at all what any person should consider something that can connect them to their past like actually seeing the original documents.

Records Archiving Policy

I have since talked again with my worker Barb Myland, and asked them how long our records are kept on file. Apparently they are kept on file for ever. I will investigate this, and try to get a copy of the policy on records archiving policies from the CCAS in Toronto.

Supportive Words from others...

John:

As you probably know, your experience with CAS is not unique. There is a province wide policy not to make records available for previous crown wards concerning their placements or any other information for that matter. When former crown wards have gained access to the information, it has usually been given under the table.

Technically, given the law, crown wards should have access to their files. Nothing has changed for them. There names were not altered nor were their birth certificates. It is simply that that parental rights were severed for any number of reasons, many of which had nothing to do with abuse. This such not under law limit former crown wards' access to information about themselves.

It has been suggested that the failure to make records available to former crown wards is motivated by a fear on the part of the CAS that access to the records will result in law suits being brought against the agencies for failure to protect the rights of the child. Interestingly, I am not aware of any such case finding its way to the courts.

I think their are grounds for a class action suit. I believe that former crown wards have the right under law to their own files. If they are denied access, I would think this is in violation of the free of information act and the Ontario Human Rights Code. Have you ever consulted a lawyer on this matter?

I look forward to your thoughts on this matter.

Michael Grand

I tried to get my records from 311 Jarvis (Family Court) and went through one of the worst delays one could imagine. Most people make a request for their court files, and get them within a couple of weeks. It took them over three months to get back to me on my records, only to tell me they were destroyed at the end of 2001!

Why did they not get them to me when I asked back in October 2001! Do I hear a major cover up or what?!? What are they trying to hide so desparately! I only want to see the bloody things. They are a part of my life, so why are the childrens aid's who supposedly care for the children they bring up, why are they not letting these kids / adults know how the court system works when it comes to such important matters.

Why did they not inform me that my files would only be archived for a certain number of years, then they would be destroyed without even notifying me before hand.

This is my mission from now on. I am going to find out exactly what all of the legal procedurse are for these issues, and what our rights are as canadains (do crown wards deserve a capital letter on canadian?) to obtaining our personal information.

STATUS:ORIGINAL REQUEST!

From: "John Dunn"

Subject: Foster Care Records

To: mary_mcconville@ccas.toronto.on.ca

CC: afterfostercare@yahoo.com

I have been trying for a year to get my foster records, and the most they have been able to do is to let me sit in a room and view my liquid papered photocopies of my files on the 26 maitland property.

This is very disheartening. I desparately wish to have my files or at least the copies of them in my possesion.

I have absolutely no connection to my past, and the only thing I wish for is to have these files at home.

To me, it is like a photo album. I can not talk to any of the people I have lived with because there are too many foster homes and group homes to make that feasable.

I only have these photographic memories which are held in a file cabinet collecting dust. To me, they are my past. They are all that I can have to make me feel like I have proof that I even existed.

I have seen the "summary" but that is not what I require.

This is very depressing not to be able to have these photocopies of my proof of living. Most people have family to talk about how you were when you were a child.

I only have these social worker reports, and all those micro-fished files and copies of my official documents but even still I do not even have those.

I beg you to please contact me on this issue.

I am a 31 year old former crown ward of the ccas from 1974 until 1988.

I have also not been having any co-operation with my search for my father who I have never met, but would like to meet some day before he dies.

His name is Larry Hastings.

Thanks John Dunn

===== 8mm Film Transferred to Video
http://www.oocities.org/afterfostercare/film.html

Canadian After Foster Care Website
http://www.afterfostercare.cjb.net
afterfostercare@yahoo.com

=================================================
--- Mary McConville wrote:
> Mr. Dunn,I have forwarded your concerns to our
> adoption department for a
> response. There delay in responding is due to
> staff being away.
>
>
=================================================

MY REPLY IN RETURN

Hello there, thanks for your reply. I was mainly
trying to email you on this issue as I have a need to
move up the ladder, or escalate the issue.

I know that barbara myland is bound by her job title
to say she is not allowed to give me copies of my
files, so I will refrain from asking her.

What I will do, is ask you if you would consider helping me out with this information.

I have been informed by a former employee that you are probably the most willing member of the board to listen as this person witnessed you in a meeting once give an ear to a person who was trying to suggest something of importance to the children, and you wanted to hear more from this person.

This is why I have tried to contact you directly.

They only other option I have at my disposal at the moment, is to make a formal complaint.

I would like to make an official complaint on this issue, and would like a copy of your complaint procedures sent to this email address.

afterfostercare@yahoo.com

Thanks very much.

I will also be consulting with the Freedom Of Information Act concerning this issue, in order that I may recieve copies of my records for personal, and mental health reasons.

Thanks very much.

John Francis Dunn

http://www.afterfostercare.cjb.net

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