Remarks (PDF).pdf

A 17-year-old girl named Angel died from an accidental drug overdose after being exposed to persistent abuse, neglect, and violence from infancy. Despite multiple services being involved in her life, Angel never received the support and protection she needed. She was sexually assaulted multiple times, and her early years were marked by multiple apprehensions from her family home due to her mother's struggles. Angel was moved through 46 different placements while in care and asked for help at age 8, but none came. Professionals identified that Angel required intensive mental health therapy, but no sustained supports were ever offered to her. The Manitoba Advocate for Children and Youth is releasing a report, "In Need of Protection: Angel's Story," which details Angel's life and makes six formal recommendations to address the deficiencies in her care. The report highlights four themes, including the unaddressed trauma crisis, sexual exploitation of children and youth, the need for improved minimum standards in child and family services, and the lack of a youth mental health and addiction strategy.