CYC 900 Case study
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Toronto Metropolitan University *
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900
Subject
Philosophy
Date
Apr 3, 2024
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7
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Case Study
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institution
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professor
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Katelynn’s Principle: Inquest into Youth Death in Child Protection
Introduction
Katelynn's Principle is an important reminder of the devastating effects of child abuse
and maltreatment in Canada. The principle was established in the wake of Katelynn Sampson's
death in 2008. Katelynn died as a result of her caregiver's mistreatment and the educational
institution's failure to recognize the obvious signs of mental and physical abuse. In addition, The
educational institution also failed to adequately protect her. Hence, the principle is meant to
prevent such tragedies from happening again by ensuring that the safety of children is a top
priority, especially when they are receiving services through the child welfare, justice and/or
education systems. This report is dedicated to further supporting the case of Katelynn’s Principle,
which is committed to safeguarding and protecting children’s rights. It is important to identify
the responsibility of child welfare staff in actively defending and nurturing the identities of these
vulnerable individuals. Above that, It is also essential to recognize how this principle can act as a
catalyst for change in the child protection system, ensuring that no other tragedies such as
Katelynn’s case occur in the future.
There were several references that were drawn, to help further conduct this analysis; The
first reference helps explain why it is so important to implement Katelynn's Principle, and
according to the article, in 2016, it states that in the United States “676,000 children were
confirmed to be victims of abuse and neglect by child protective services (CPS)” (Zeanah, 2018)
The article argues that these numbers are persistently rising due to the amount of underreporting
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of child maltreatment. Therefore the death of Katelynn Sampson isn't the only tragedy that could
have been prevented. This is why it is so important to be implementing the necessary safety
measures to protect all children. In addition, Katelynn’s principle is also a significant step in the
right direction to ensure that all cases of child abuse are investigated, and children are
safeguarded from similar fates. Drawing from the Convention on the Rights of the Child, created
by the United Nations, helps to implement the principles to serve as effective guidelines and
resolve any ethical dilemmas. For example, Article 20 states “A child temporarily or
permanently deprived of his or her family environment, or in whose own best interests cannot be
allowed to remain in that environment, shall be entitled to special protection and assistance
provided by the State”
Supporting Argument 1
The case of Katelynn’s Principle highlights the tragic themes of child neglect and abuse.
Katelynn Sampson was an innocent five-year-old girl who was subjected to horrific abuse by her
caregivers showing up to class with tell-tale signs of abuse. On the other hand, neglect was a
significant factor in Katelynn’s story, and is an all-too-common occurrence in child protection
cases. It was only due to the lack of action taken by the educational institution that Katelynn was
not given the help and protection she deserved. Thankfully, laws and regulations now exist
requiring the mandatory reporting of suspected abuse and neglect to the ministry of children and
youth services. This crucial legislation is helping to protect children from similar fates, even if
Katelynn’s life could not be saved.
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This case study is highly relevant to the field of child and youth care, as it offers insight
into the life of an abused child. (Rafeedie, J.2019) states that “foster care decisions often
prioritize adult-centred concerns over a child's attachment needs” therefore this aids the idea that
children like Katelynn are often not heard or have a voice. Thus Katelynn’s Principle has become
increasingly important in understanding how children’s voices should be heard in decisions
pertaining to their own lives. This is why this principle outlines how children should be listened
to and respected, and how children’s rights and wishes should be taken into account. It also
emphasizes how their views and opinions should be considered in regard to their age and
maturity.
Supporting argument 2
The main problem that arises within this case study is the school district’s failure to take
action to protect the well-being of a vulnerable child. In one article, it explores the functionality
of the framework of how Katelynn’s principle should be applied by drawing from article 12,
stating that the existence of the article “fosters a positive school ethos and produce better
citizens, it is a legal and moral imperative.”(Lundy, 2007).
In other words,
children must be
facilitated to express their views. Therefore, this lack of awareness and action taken by the
school district played a huge role in Katelynn’s demise, and it highlights the importance of CYC
practitioners actively taking part in protecting vulnerable children. Although Katelynn’s case was
tragic, it has provided CYC practitioners with a better understanding of what needs to be done in
order to prevent similar events.
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Supporting argument 3
With this information in mind, in order to implement the necessary safety measures to
protect all children. CYC practitioners and child welfare workers should now be able to
recognize their responsibility in actively defending and nurturing the identities of vulnerable
individuals by drawing from Katelynn's principle. In addition, Laursen (2006) writes that “if we
are serious about the commitment to “leave no child behind” then we must be able to cultivate
strengths in all children and families” the strengths perspective encourages CYCPs to see
potential in the young people they are working with, and that there are no ‘disposable children’ -
something that might help to keep in mind while working with youths.
On another note, the findings of the case study suggest that another main problem arises
within this case study. (Monique 2016) states that within Katelynn’s principle “the child's
heritage must be taken into consideration and respected.” Thus this would indicate that Katelynn
Sampson was perhaps discriminated against because of her native background, leading to the
staff playing the role of being dismissive of her needs of Katelynn Sampson's situation. This also
reveals how there is a need for the staff to be properly supervised and guided to make sure that
they are able to take into consideration of any children's needs and respect their heritage.
Conclusion
All in all, Katelynn's case study demonstrates that the CYCPs role is crucial in providing
support to those in need. It is a reminder that there is a need to enforce strict responsibilities
when it comes to the safety of children and youth, and swift and appropriate interventions must
be taken. CYC workers are in a unique position to provide these interventions, utilizing their
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specialized knowledge and expertise to ensure that children in need are safeguarded and
supported. By developing preventative and protective strategies, CYC practitioners can ensure
the overall safety and well-being of vulnerable children and youth.
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Reference
Zeanah, C. H., & Humphreys, K. L. (2018). Child abuse and neglect. Dicle Medical Journal,
57(9), 637-644. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaac.2018.06.00
Rafeedie, J., Hudson, S. M., Deavenport-Saman, A., Rao, S., Rogers, K., & Roberts, S. (2019).
Decision-making in foster care: A child-centered approach to reducing toxic stress in
foster children. Children and Youth Services Review, 96, 10-16.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2018.11.023
Laursen, E. K. (2003). Frontiers in strength-based treatment.Reclaiming Children and Youth,12
(1), 12–17
Monique, T. (2016).
Katelynn's Principle Act (decisions affecting children), 2016
. Legislative
Assembly of Ontario. (n.d.). Retrieved November 29, 2022, from
https://www.ola.org/en/legislative-business/bills/parliament-41/session-2/bill-57
UN Convention on the rights of the child - canadiancrc.com. (n.d.). Retrieved November 29,
2022, from
https://canadiancrc.com/PDFs/UN_Convention_on_the_Rights_of_the_Child_en.pdf
Lundy, L. (2007). ‘Voice’ is not enough: conceptualising Article 12 of the United Nations
Convention on the Rights of the Child.
British Educational Research Journal
,
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(6),
927–942. https://doi.org/10.1080/01411920701657033