Child protection status review concerning a child apprehended at birth due to parental drug use, domestic violence, and instability.
The society sought crown wardship without access.
Evidence showed the mother had significant cognitive limitations, mental health problems, instability, and disengaged from the proceedings, while the father continued to use drugs, lacked insight into domestic conflict, resisted counselling and parenting guidance, and maintained an unhealthy relationship dynamic with the mother despite assurances of separation.
The court held the child remained in need of protection and that returning the child to either parent, even under supervision, posed unacceptable risk.
Applying the best interests analysis under the Child and Family Services Act, the court concluded permanence and stability through adoption were required.
The presumption against access to a crown ward was not rebutted because the parental relationships were not shown to be beneficial and meaningful to the child and access could impair adoption prospects.
