'Larger systemic failure': Advocates call for change to the child welfare system following comments from police chief
CTV
Experts and advocates are calling for change, following stark comments from Winnipeg Police Chief Danny Smyth about a spike in violent crimes committed by youths.
Experts and advocates are calling for change, following stark comments from Winnipeg Police Chief Danny Smyth about a spike in violent crimes committed by youths.
On Thursday, Smyth said both group and foster homes don't have what they need to help and monitor at-risk youths. He said it's leading to random attacks throughout the city.
Last Sunday, a 19-year-old woman was robbed and attacked with a machete at a bus stop in St. Vital. Police said she sustained life-altering injuries.
Smyth put a spotlight on the incident and a rash of other attacks just like it.
"Alarming to all of us is the fact that these attacks appear to be random," Smyth said on Thursday. "The attackers have been described as youths, and the attacks have been violent.
The chief said the suspects involved in this string of violent offence and others have something in common, they're in the child welfare system, living in foster care or group homes, where resources are insufficient.
It's led to organizations such as the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs and Manitoba Children's Advocate to call for change.
