This is a child protection proceeding under Part V of the Child, Youth and Family Services Act, 2017.
The court ordered a parenting capacity assessment to be conducted by Dr. Walton-Allen to assess the parents' capacity to care for their five children.
At trial, the mother's counsel challenged the admissibility of the assessment report, alleging that Dr. Walton-Allen misrepresented her qualifications.
The mother contended that Dr. Walton-Allen is a school psychologist, not a clinical psychologist as represented, and therefore lacks the expertise to conduct such a complex assessment.
The court held a voir dire to determine the admissibility of the expert evidence.
The court found that Dr. Walton-Allen intentionally misrepresented her qualifications and that her expertise as a school psychologist was insufficient for the complex psychological and social issues involved.
The court struck the assessment report from the record and disqualified Dr. Walton-Allen from providing expert opinion evidence.
