January 17, 2006
BC FamilyNet’s Response to “Do the Right Thing” Brief Prepared by We Survived Woodlands Group
To Whom it May Concern:
BC FamilyNet, an independent provincial network of families formed to protect and enhance community living supports and services for individuals with developmental disabilities, supports government restitution to survivors of institutional abuse.
Former B.C. Ombudsman Dulcie McCallum, in her investigation into abuse at Woodlands, found that systematic abuse occurred with no integrated approach to address it. We support her recommendations for:
- a second phase of investigation by gathering direct evidence from residents,
- a restitution process that will focus on "reparation of harm" without forcing former residents to go to court, and
- a public apology and acknowledgment of the abuse from government.
- financial compensation, with no cut-off date, must be directed towards meeting the real needs of individual survivors.
BC FamilyNet also urges the government to ensure that all persons with a developmental disability will have safe and affordable housing with the necessary supports readily available, so that no one must ever again live in an institution.
Yours truly,
Anita Dadson, President
BC FamilyNet Board of Directors
E-mail: info@bcfamilynet.org
