Warning to readers: this story contains graphic content
The physical and emotional state of two aboriginal girls before they ended up under the care of a Regina couple was the focus of testimony on Wednesday at the trial of 40 year old Kevin and 39-year-old Tammy Goforth.
They are charged with second-degree murder in the death of a four-year-old girl and causing bodily harm to her two year old sister.
The Goforths were acting as guardians to the two children in August of 2012 when one child died and the other was hospitalized.
Alicia Ward, the social worker who handled the initial apprehension and placement of the two little aboriginal girls was on the witness stand on Wednesday.
She first became involved in the file in December of 2009. She said the children were placed in foster care for their own safety in 2010.
The children were moved nine times in two years before they ended up in the care of Tammy and Kevin Goforth, between November of 2011 and August of 2012.
Previous to the placement with the Goforths, there had been no areas of concern.
She described the children as happy, healthy and chubby during the time they were under foster care. Under foster care rules, the children were checked upon regularly.
Ward said that changes when a child is placed with a guardian, who is generally a relative – often referred to as a person of sufficient interest – those regular checks are then no longer required.
If the Goforths were having problems with the kids, they could have called and asked for help, Ward testified, but she says that never happened. In fact, she testified calls from her were not returned.
Ward told court the last time she saw the kids was November of 2011. When showed photos, she noted a stark contrast between that time and August of 2012, saying the four-year-old looked gaunt and her shoulderbones showed, while the two-year-old was much thinner.
As the public has already heard, both children were hospitalized suffering from starvation, dehydration and numerous bruises during that time. The four-year-old girl died while her two-year-old sister recovered.
Another social worker said she knew the kids, they had chubby cheeks, cute bellies, and never had a problem with eating.
Prosecutors presented evidence on Tuesday that the girls were at times restrained and kept in a room that locked from the outside.
The police will reveal more details of their investigation on Thursday, as many officers are scheduled to testify.
In all, 16 prosecution witnessed will be called. It’s also expected Tammy and Kevin will testify in their own defense.
The jury trial is scheduled to last three weeks.