After reviewing the Alberta Child and Youth Family Enhancement Act (CYFEA). Please read the following scenarios, and discuss them, as if they were occurring here in Alberta and you were the responding officers.

With the guidance of your instructor determine potential solutions to the scenarios, as well as the appropriate sections of any legislation that may apply.

Scenario #1

In the following case, determine if the child is in need of protection as defined in section 1(2) of the AB CYFEA, and if in need of intervention identify the appropriate apprehension authority.

On February 26, 2010, police were called to a Calgary hospital after a four-month-old baby was admitted with symptoms that included vomiting, irritability, and lethargy.

It had been determined that over the course of 10 to 12 hours, the baby had shown signs of distress, but the mother did not seek medical attention. She waited for her husband to come home from work, and then the baby was taken to hospital.

Toxicology reports revealed high levels of codeine in the baby's system.

The child's mother suggested that some Tylenol 3 tablets may have accidentally fallen into the baby formula bottle or that the proximity of the family home to a pharmaceutical company might have had something to do with it.

The attending physician states that the baby will likely recover with no permanent damage but will have to spend a few days in the hospital for observation. The baby's father is visibly upset.

The mother does not appear to be upset and says that she has to update her Facebook page with some pictures of her baby in the hospital.

After the baby is admitted for observation, the parents leave the hospital.

What will you do in this situation? Do you have authority to apprehend the child? Explainand be sure the answer demonstrates a thorough understanding of any pertinent legislation.

Scenario #2

You are a police officer investigating a complaint of abuse. The facts are as follows:

The mother of the victim reports that her daughter, Lilly Louis, was sexually abused by her cousin, Jerry Leigh. Lilly is 15 years old. Jerry is 24 years old.

You speak with Lilly. She tells you that she is in love with Jerry and that they are going to be married as soon as she is 18 years old or when she turns 16 if her parents give their permission. She wants to have children and spend the rest of her life with Jerry. She wanted to run away with Jerry, but he said that that would be irresponsible and that they should do everything legally.

Jerry tells you that he is in love with Lilly and would marry her today if it was legal. He checked the Marriage Act and found out that they could get married when Lilly turned 16 if they had the permission of her parents. He shows you a diamond ring that he bought for Lilly. Jerry tells you that he has finished college and has a good job. He has the money saved for the down payment on a house they have found. He has asked for her parents' permission to marry Lilly when she turns 16 years old, but they think that 16 is too young to get married. They want her to go to college and get a post-secondary education before deciding if she should marry and start a family.

Jerry tells you that they thought that if Lilly became pregnant, her parents would give them permission to get married. They have had intercourse many times, but Lilly is still not pregnant.

What will you do in this situation? And be sure the answer demonstrates a thorough understanding of any pertinent legislation

Scenario #3

In the following situations, determine whether "child neglect" has been established. Apply the definitions found in the Criminal Code and the Alberta Child and Youth Family Enhancement Act.

1. The parents of a 16-year-old girl leave her at home while they tour Europe for four weeks. All the relatives live in different cities. She is alone in the home. Her parents left her with money for food and told her to keep the door locked when she is at home.
2. The parents of twin 14-year-old boys work the night shift at a factory. As a result, the boys are often left alone in the family apartment from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. The boys are told to stay inside and call their Uncle Fred if they need anything. Uncle Fred lives in the adjoining apartment. He checks on the boys each night at 10:30 p.m. and ensures that they are in bed. The parents arrive home at approximately 6:45 a.m. The usual routine is that the boys are awakened for school at 7:30 a.m. after their father makes breakfast. Their mother gets their clothes ready. The boys are then driven to school at 8:45 a.m. The parents then sleep.

Reference:

https://www.canlii.org/en/ab/laws/stat/rsa-2000-c-c-12/latest/rsa-2000-c-c-12.html

https://www.canlii.org/en/ca/laws/stat/rsc-1985-c-c-46/latest/rsc-1985-c-c-46.html