This is a status review application under Part III of the Child and Family Services Act concerning a child apprehended at birth due to concerns about the mother's mental health, transience, lack of prenatal care, and domestic violence in the parental relationship.
The child was initially placed with the mother under a supervision order but was re-apprehended when the mother failed to maintain housing and comply with program expectations.
The father sought return of the child under a supervision order, while the Society sought a Crown wardship order with access.
The court found that the father, despite his love for the child and participation in various programs, remained too dependent on professionals and family members to accomplish basic parenting tasks, had breached court orders regarding contact with the mother, and lacked the capacity to provide stable, permanent care.
The court ordered Crown wardship with supervised face-to-face access three times per year to both parents, finding that such limited access would not impair the child's future opportunities for adoption while preserving the beneficial relationship between the child and her biological parents.
