How Did Late 7-Yr.-Old Girl Wind Up In Custody Of Couple With Violent Pasts?

For more than a week, the city has been waiting for an explanation of why little Katelynn Sampson was placed in the custody of a woman with a violent criminal record, who lived with a man known for his own run-ins with the law.

The 7-year-old was found dead in the duo’s West Lodge apartment last Sunday morning, and  Donna Irving and Warren Johnson are now accused of killing the child. Both are facing second degree murder charges.

Questions were raised about the role of Native Child and Family Services of Toronto, which was reported to have had some involvement in the arrangement. The agency promised to do a review about what happened and has now delivered its long promised answer.

“We believe it is important that the public be aware that NCSFT had no involvement in the placement of Katelynn Sampson in the home of Donna Irving and Warren Johnson,” a statement from executive director Kenn Richard makes clear. “This was a private arrangement between Donna Irving and Bernice Sampson under the Children’s Law Reform Act.”

“Native Child and Family Services had no involvement at any level on that on any level. It was, in fact, done outside the child welfare arena in which we practice.”

The organization adds that Johnson’s two kids are in their custody and are “safe, together, and being well cared for.”

Katelynn was found dead in the residence after Irving called police claiming the girl had choked on some food. But when officers arrived, they saw obvious signs of trauma, leading to what Det. Sgt. Steve Ryan would later call the “the worst thing I’ve seen in 20 years of policing.”

So how did Sampson wind up where she did? Her mother, who was going through personal problems, decided she couldn’t provide the proper care for her child. But she never contacted a child and family service agency.

That meant there was no background check done on Irving, who used a family court application to file for custody of the girl. And that’s why the guardian’s criminal past never surfaced.

At least three hearings were conducted in front of Ontario Court Justice Debra Paulseth and now one politician at Queen’s Park is turning his sights on her.

NDP MPP Peter Kormos has sent an official letter to Attorney General Chris Bentley, demanding an investigation into her activities.

“Transcripts of the proceedings …  reveal an alarming absence of consideration of the best interest of Katelynn Sampson,” he charges. “Justice Paulseth appears to have dealt with the matter of this child’s custody in a cavalier and overly-causal manner … I submit to you that Justice Paulseth failed to meet even a minimal standard.”

Native and Family Services claims the tragic circumstances that appear to surround this case prove what can happen when children are placed in care outside of the child welfare system.

The statement implies that if a proper check had been done with a legitimate agency, the outcome might have been different.

“A thorough investigation of a proposed caregiver’s background should be a key requirement in the process of determining his or her suitability as a substitute parent,” it concludes. “This is a mandated and automatic part of the placement process employed by Children’s Aid Societies, in order to ensure a child’s safety and best interests.”

Katelynn was handed over to Irving in May 2007 and she took legal custody the following January. Cops have since alleged there were obvious signs of abuse and trauma on the child, but no one reported anything until it was far too late.

It’s still not clear what really killed the girl. The nature of her injuries means autopsy results have been delayed and may not come out for days or weeks.

Both Irving and Johnson made court appearances this week, with the latter’s causing an explosion of anger and hostility from the child’s family members and supporters.

• Neighbours of Katelynn are preparing a celebration of her brief life.  They are planning on releasing balloons in honour of the little girl.  The memorial will take place on Sunday, 1pm, at Marie Curtis Park.