Dr. Angela Fountain

A motion brought by the Children's Aid Society to suspend direct access between a seven-year-old child in care and his mother, and to restrict access to written communication only.

The child had experienced significant trauma from domestic violence and parental substance abuse.

Following apprehension, the child exhibited severe behavioral and emotional dysregulation, with escalations occurring before and after access visits with his mother.

The court found that the child's circumstances had changed dramatically since the initial temporary access order, and that direct access was contributing to his crisis.

The motion was granted, suspending direct access and permitting only written correspondence screened by the society.

The Ontario College of Teachers brought discipline proceedings against a member, alleging physical and verbal abuse of students and failure to maintain professional standards.

The allegations included grabbing a student by the wrist, stepping on another student's foot, and yelling or using demeaning language.

After hearing testimony from students, parents, school administrators, and an expert psychologist, the Discipline Committee found insufficient credible evidence to support the charges.

The Committee noted concerns with the member's classroom management but concluded the conduct did not amount to professional misconduct.

The charges were dismissed.