Home / Health / N.W.T. Social Services Accused of Neglect
N.W.T. Social Services Accused of Neglect
15 Jun
Summary
- Indigenous mother sought help for overwhelming childcare.
- She claims Fort Smith child services refused support.
- Advocates criticize N.W.T. child welfare system.
Pamela Basil, an Indigenous mother of two in Fort Smith, N.W.T., sought assistance from child and family services due to feeling overwhelmed by single parenthood. She reported being refused help, with staff allegedly providing unclear instructions and suggesting police involvement was necessary before support could be offered.
Despite official N.W.T. policy emphasizing voluntary support services to keep families intact, Basil's experience highlights potential systemic issues. A spokesperson for the N.W.T. Health and Social Services Authority stated they could not comment on specific cases but encouraged individuals to contact local offices for assistance.
Basil later found alternative support through community programs and a disability association. However, her experience has led to deep dissatisfaction with the system, prompting criticism from child advocacy groups who note that interaction with child welfare can put families at risk.
