First Nations Group Home Suspended By Province

First Nations Group Home Suspended By Province

Monday, February 25, 2008 at 15:29

 

 

Operations at the Keeseekoose Group Home have been temporarily suspended.

 

Social Services Minister Donna Harpauer today announced that she is suspending operations at the home until concerns about the care and treatment of children are addressed.

 

The move was prompted by a recent incident involving a fire at the home and allegations of a potentially violent confrontation between residents and staff.

 

Harpauer says Social Services officials have been working with the Keeseekoose Board of Directors to address safety concerns at the home.

 

She adds she has begun talks with Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations Vice-Chief Guy Lonechild to address the issue on a larger scale.

 

This is the third First Nations-operated group home to attract the provincial government’s scrutiny in two years.

 

The specifics of the incidents at Keeseekoose can’t be released because they are currently under RCMP investigation.

 

The home has been in operation since 2001, and provides services to girls between the ages of 12 and 17.