Reviews & Investigations

Reviews & Investigations

RECEIVING REPORTS OF CHILD AND YOUTH INJURY AND DEATH

We review and investigate injuries and deaths of young people who are receiving government services. We look for patterns and trends that help improve services.

What youth services does RCY review?

RCY reviews services or programs under the Child Family and Community Service Act and the Youth Justice Act that include:

 

  • family support
  • child protection
  • foster care
  • adoption
  • guardianship
  • children and youth with disabilities
  • early childhood development and child care services
  • mental health and addiction services for children
  • youth justice
  • services for youth and young adults during their transition to adulthood
  • CLBC services for young adults between their 19th and 27th birthdays

Why it matters

Patterns across multiple reviews may lead to aggregate reviews or special reports, which are publicly released and often include recommendations for service improvements. By sharing these stories, we strive to enhance the services and supports that children and youth in care rely on, ensuring that their voices are heard and that their experiences lead to meaningful change.

Every critical injury or death RCY reviews serves as a warning. If no action follows, more young lives are put at risk.

Reviews & Investigations Process

Critical Injury or Death Report

A critical injury or death (Reportable Cirumstance (RC)) of a child or youth receiving reviewable services is received by the RCY.

Initial Review

The RC is assessed, coded by injury type, mandate or out of mandate and entered into RCY data base. In mandate RCs are further analysed to identify emerging themes and if immediate action may be required.

Case of Concern, Priority Briefing Notes, Advocacy Referral

When there is evidence of imminent or unaddressed future harm, a Case of Concern is sent to MCFD or an ICFSA and an Advocacy referral may be opened. Priority Briefing Notes inform the Representative of media involvement or RCs that require immediate review.

Monthly Initial Review Meeting

All RCs entered the month prior are reviewed with Executive. Possible actions: advocacy referrals, Briefing Note or a Comprehensive Review to determine if an Investigation should occur.

Aggregate and Investigation Reports

Public reports may have recommendations that support systemic improvements to enhance the well-being of children and youth.

Total Reportable Circumstances Received in 2023/24

In-mandate refers to cases that fall within RCY’s jurisdiction, meaning the child or youth is receiving—or eligible for—services that RCY can review, advocate for, or investigate.

Out-of-mandate refers to cases that fall outside RCY’s jurisdiction, such as situations involving individuals who do not meet the eligibility criteria or services that are not under RCY’s scope of review.

Featured Investigation

Featured investigation

Colby’s Story

In 2021, a young First Nations boy died in one of the most egregious series of circumstances that RCY has ever seen. In June 2023, his caregivers were sentenced to 10 years in prison. With the conclusion of these criminal proceedings, RCY was able to launch an investigation into this child’s short life, and the lengthy list of missed opportunities by many, that led to his death.

In 2021, a young First Nations boy died in one of the most egregious series of circumstances that RCY has ever seen. In June 2023, his caregivers were sentenced to 10 years in prison. With the conclusion of these criminal proceedings, RCY was able to launch an investigation into this child’s short life, and the lengthy list of missed opportunities by many, that led to his death.

Read the Investigation
Read the Investigation

Need to connect?

Do you have questions about systemic concerns or want to explore collaboration? Contact the Reviews and Investigations team at rcy@rcybc.ca.

Every child who experiences life should grow up to know love, and what it means. Every child who experiences life should grow up to know what love means for each of us: security, safety, connection and oneness.

– Chief Robert Joseph, Hereditary Chief of the Gwawaenuk People – Namwayut