BC Mother Sues Province After Infant Daughter Dies in Foster Care

VANCOUVER—A British Columbia mother whose infant daughter died while in foster care has filed a lawsuit against the provincial government.

Sara-Jane Wiens says her two-month old baby Isabella was taken from her in August 2011 after she was deemed unfit to care for her.

In March 2013, the 21-month old toddler was found dead in the crib of her foster home.

Wiens has now filed a civil claim against the B.C. government and the province’s director of child, family and community services alleging recklessness and bad faith in dealing with her case.

The lawsuit alleges that the government didn’t properly supervise Isabella while she was in foster care and failed to adequately consider returning the child to her mother.

Wiens’s lawyer says his client noticed bruises on the infant’s body during supervised visits and notified ministry officials but no action was taken.

Children and Family Development Minister Stephanie Cadieux says the ministry launches a review any time a child dies in care, but would not comment on the specific case.