Heart of the Family 150 Licensed Day Care Shut Down by Ministry in Cornwall Ontario – June 1, 2013

HOF 6CFN – Heart of the Family, a 24 hour daycare facility licensed for up to 150 children has been shut down by order of the Director for the purposes of the Day Nurseries Act.

Friday officials shut down the facility with parents left with the weekend to find places for their tots.

HOF 2

Sexualized behaviors, lost children and other issues reported by CAS of SD&G.  Playing and possibly ingesting cleaning fluid?

HOF 3

Sounds like some disgruntled former employee(s) had something to share.

HOF 7

List of what it will take to reopen.

Families of children that went to HOF have created a Facebook page.  LINK   License info LINK

Calls starting Friday night to HOF from CFN have not been returned as of press time.

Update:

Judy Rose, Executive Director of A Child’s Secret Garden Day Care sent in the following statement;

We are working on increasing our occupancy so we can accommodate some of the displaced families.  The installation of the required additional sinks will be completed early next week.  Once that is done, there is a plumbing inspection and a final inspection by the chief building official.
After we get the new occupancy letter, we will then submit it for review by the Ministry of Education.  We are doing our very best to assist the families and child care services .   We only have 2 spaces, and they are already spoken for.
It is unfortunate that a centre has so many violations. That is what happens when the director is not a registered early childhood educator.   Quality programs do not operate that way. Everything is transparent.   Parents need to know that their child is in a safe and secure environment.
It saddens me that young, helpless children were put in harm’s way.   That is not who we in child care are. We do not hurt innocent children.   This is the first time in our community that we have had a negative impact in our field. Parents should know that not all child care centres operate in this manner. There are some very excellent centres and educators working in the field.
Tips for choosing child care:
Ask for references
Visit unexpectedly during the day.
Look for the diplomas on the walls.
Look for certification in first aid and CPR.
Ask questions.
Speak to the director if you have any concerns.
Visit the Ministry of Education website for information on Child Care Centres.

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263 Comments

  1. Author

    Ashley it’s sad to see lines drawn. This is a very very simple situation. HOF needs to come clean; and fully cooperate with any investigation. If there are issues they have to be addressed.

    Do the intricacies of how they came to light really matter if issues were occurring?

    Yes, Cornwall needs good daycare. It needs a lot of things; but hiding heads in the sand whether it be about Daycare or City Hall will never be a solution nor will attacking those that bring to light issues that need to be addressed and if the public never knows about an issue how can it care and gosh even participate in a solution?

  2. The daycare is good. A few changes clearly need to be made, but there are people blasting those of us who had nothing but good experiences and are expressing it. Why is it so bad that we are being honest? We aren’t trying to convince you that nothing has gone wrong or that we know everything. Although, I can only speak for myself and as it stands I haven’t had any bad experiences.

    Chris was always friendly as were the other staff. I’m not sitting here saying nothing happened in the past, but these ridiculous accusations that are coming out are sickening. I’ve been there enough to know, there are always fresh/hot meals with plenty left over. They do art every day. They play outside, and when one is upset they get the attention and care they need. If there was so much neglect the children wouldn’t be running around with smiles on their faces at all times of the day. And with my work schedule, it WAS all times of the day. I am NOT hiding my head in the sand. I’m just not going to believe word of mouth, and neither should you since your job is to remain unbiased.

    The daycare is being redone while the Ministry and others do their research. The end result, the daycare will reopen, most likely with a few changes in staff. If the place was so dangerous, can you really believe they would allow them to reopen without more changes? Most of that list was being done in the first place.

    The speculation and pointing fingers doesn’t solve or prove anything, it’s all word of mouth. They can say what they experienced without calling others stupid or negligent. Quite obviously the end results aren’t actually presented to us yet, so only half of a whole situation is currently being judged, is it not?

  3. @jstuart @faux Paux @ life is good //
    Obviously all 3 of you have a personal vendeta with the stephenson’s, heart of the family and Harvest christian fellowship. As i have read all of your comments it becomes very apparent that with the information you hold about there organization, whether it be the church or the daycare facility. Indepth details of funding, and past employees that no longer work there, or go to the church.
    All 3 of you stating that you know “fact” because they are posted on the window? Have any of you taken the time to go and read them, becasue I have front to back, and there is not one confirmed. So it seems that no poster here is abusing the word allegation, yet you abuse the word “fact”. There is none yet, not on the door, not in the CAS investigation, not in the police investigation, not a single one.
    I wonder if your views would change if it was a diffrent situation, involving a diffrent buisness and a diffrent person other than christina stephenson, with your guily until proven innocent attitudes. I assure you they would not. You all display an extremly apparent common thread of a personal distaste for Christina, the church, and the HOTF day care facility.
    So your crude comments such as “Christina will never be director again thats a good start” are also not set in stone, there are conditions set by the ministy that will fall into place if there is guilt found in this situation, which there is not yet.
    So continue your false postings of “guarnteed facts” your personal slanders towards christina as a person and director, but the cards are all going to hit the table soon, and the truth will come out, and i without a doubt believe there will be serious repercusions to the individuals who have started this situation, and to the ECE whos apparently saw this and said nothing, i hope another investigation is compiled, for your lack of concern to report anything, and each and every one of your licenses is revolked.

  4. @Ashley

    No one is speculating like you are about what the former staff did. Why would you say something like that without any proof. There is no need to make such damaging accusations when it has been clearly put above that this is entirely the fault of the E.D.

    Also you don’t have to believe anyone here if you don’t want too, the Daycare is still closed is it not? Without and clear date of re-opening.

    People’s passion for this subject is very obvious, but once again people need to point the finger at management for this inconvenience. Once again as it says above it is their negligence that has caused this and not a staff member past or present, or disgruntle or not.

  5. @ JSTUART
    “when it has been clearly put above that this is entirely the fault of the E.D” — Clearly stated by un-informed, uneducated, speculatating, CWT like yourself? I would like you to post where this is clear by one credible source.
    Nothing is clear,except your personal issues and ties to this situation, and they are currently closed and in discussion with the MOE for reopen date.
    You have been marked out on more than one occasion on this blog for bending truths, exagerating speculation and allegation, and personally attacking the stephenson family.
    Is it that tough for you to stick to the facts? You let you personal conflict be known, we get it , you probably worked there, proably got canned, and your throwing a fit.. get over it !

  6. Ive never said that the whole place is awful. Im glad that so many people have had good experiences. However, that doesnt mean that people have not had bad experiences.. staff AND parents. But why cant we share them? You share you good experiences freely.To the people who support HOTF: you are no better than us in sharing your opinions on the issue. If we are bullies then as are you. You arent writing about rainbows and fluffy kittens either. People are sharing their experiences. There is always good and bad, pros and cons, 2 sides to a story. And somewhere down the middle lies the truth…surely all of those “allegations” arent false.

  7. @ Faux Pas – Thank you. I appreciate your willingness to be open minded. I should also take a step back and say that I’m not painting the entire CAS with the same brush. That would be pretty hypocritical of me considering one of the issues that upsets me the most are innocent HOTF employees being condemned & literally harassed. I have a family member who works for CAS. I know they do a lot of good, but I’ve also witnessed first-hand how they can jump the gun, make accusations & impose all kinds of restrictions on families without having the proper information or adequate proof. I so wish that I could go into more detail. You would definitely understand where I’m coming from. For the sake of the privacy of the people involved, I can’t say any more than I already have. I do have faith that the CAS, MOE, & the police are working in unison to get to the bottom of this.

    @Jim Luciani – With all due respect, it’s pretty difficult for those of us with children/grandchildren who are missing their friends, out of their daily routine, etc. to NOT speak about the situation.

    @In shock – I’m done replying to you & people like you. I have no interest in attempting to have a mature discussion with people who are only interested in playing the “one up” game.

  8. Woah… I guess I missed a few posts.

    @Melanie Leger re: your comment

    “I personally worked at Heart when one of the “sexualized behaviours” incidents happened so I know that it is true. Again, an awesome ECE left the room for 2min and when she came back there had been an incident between 2 children…”

    Was this incident reported to the parents of these children? I mean, this is completely normal behaviour for toddlers, but due to the fact that this incident is listed as one of the reasons for the closure of HOTF, I need to know what was done immediately following this incident.

    @J Stuart re: your comment

    ” CAS are not known to act on a whim on any matter let alone to shut down such an important resource for the city…”

    Are you for real??? A miserable neighbour called CAS on my friend & claimed that her older daughter was beating her younger brother with a two by four in the driveway when they were in fact playing with a hose! CAS called my friend, advised her that a complaint had been made & despite my friend’s attempt to reassure them that the allegations were false & that this woman was known for being the neighbourhood nose bag & trouble maker (constantly doing things like calling animal control, the police, etc… Just a hateful old bag), a CAS worker was at her door within the hour. The kids were terrified, and refused to speak to the CAS worker. It was obvious that her son hadn’t been beaten with a two by four, so my friend did what any smart parent would do. She told the CAS worker to hit the road! Come on! We’ve all heard stories about the CAS jumping the gun. It seems as though they pester innocent parents instead of going after parents who are obviously negligent.

  9. @Outside/Viewer

    I would like to refer you to “Schedule A section i)” It cleary places the blame on the Executive Director.

    I find it it laughable that somone who calls me uneducated and C.W.T needs to be taken by the hand and shown directly what is stated above nearly a week after it was posted.

    Also with how passionately you attack me and others like myself it is becoming clear that you are not actually an outside viewer at all. Are you actually a Stephenson, or a close friend or family member or one of their church goers?

    It interests me that the term C.W.T has resonated with you days after I have made this comment…. perhaps I hit an exposed nerve ;).

    Finally I would like to clarify that I have NEVER worked for the HOTF. However like I stated before I have spoken with several former employees and I still talk to current ones as well.

  10. At least those of us who are pro HOTF aren’t resorting to name calling.

    “You can’t fix stupid.” How mature. :-/

  11. Author

    I just want to remind everyone to please leave personalities out of debate and discussion. If we have to micro moderate it slows the releasing of comments.

  12. @ Admin – Wish you would’ve posted that request earlier.

  13. I have worked both with children and adolescents over the years Ive seen some serious situations . Nothing is more infuriating than dealing with individuals that disregard rules and regulations that are set in place for the protection of our children. The ministry clearly states the E.D did just that with improper management..The MINISTRY proceeds to clearly state due to the SERIOUS NATURE of the ITEMS listed in the NOTICE OF DIRECTION the E.D is not allowed on the premises if a child is present. Those are not accusations they are findings that must be complied to. These are SERIOUS items of direction and not to be taken lightly or brushed off. These major changes are necessary to ensure that EVERY CHILD s safety and well being is upheld. There shouldn’t be happy memories for some children and traumatic memories for the less fortunate child due to the disregarding of regulations by any Executive Director. As well someone asked how a license was acquired if chris was not qualified with no formal education ect. When the center was in start up mode the E.D was not chris but another member of Christian harvest Church for a period of time. Also pastor Roy Stephenson was the board chair as well as project coronation was headed up by church member. So they did obtain their initial license and funding based on close friends and church members being major participants and board members. How the title of Executive Director was obtained later on by an unqualified individual like Chris is appalling. Considering the state of the day care presently one would hope for the sake of the children this never happens again with proper transparency and accountability. With CAS the Ministry and Cornwall police working together Heart of the family daycare is in good hands …

  14. @LifeisGood – Thanks. I was the one who asked how they obtained their license & how Chris was ED. Makes sense now. Much appreciated information!

  15. @OUTSIDE/VIEWER: I’m not sure how it’s “obvious” I have a vendetta against the daycare, I haven’t said a single ill word about the owners or employees. I’m also not sure how you still haven’t been able to discern that the complaints listed under Lack of Supervision and Behaviour Management are not allegations or complaints but findings.

    The one thing you were correct about is that there wasn’t a single proven complaint…there were six. Again, I don’t have any personal interest in HOTF and you really should consider that not everybody who believes what they read on official government press releases has a secret vendetta. I’m just concerned for the welfare of local children, perhaps moreso than you who is unwilling to even acknowledge issues that are laid out in plain English.

  16. oh, and a short comment @Ashley:
    You can’t determine if legal aid is available based on an hourly wage, there are all sorts of other factors. One major factor is whether you are facing jail time. If you think Canada affords Legal Aid to everybody who wants to file a lawsuit against former employees you’re sorely mistaken.

    Furthermore, you said “We aren’t trying to convince you that nothing has gone wrong or that we know everything” but on the previous page you immediately assume that people who believe the factual issues as well as allegations are ex-employees. This isn’t the case, and is very poor form in a debate.

  17. Ferris, well said! But dont get your knickers in a knot! Lets not waste space discussing how smart you are and how dumb
    i am. Keep this thread free for the topic at hand.Cheers. P.S. still never heard of it.

  18. @ Faux Pas – I wanted to address the Legal Aid issue as well. It isn’t a service that is readily available for everyone. Even in separations, they’ll help a person to get spousal support, but not to recover property. You basically have to jump through hoops if you want to get any kind of help from Legal Aid. There ARE other avenues available for those wanting to take legal action. As I mentioned before, there are plenty of lawyers who do pro bono work. If six employees were to band together and do a bit of research, they would find that they weren’t as powerless as they thought they were.

  19. @ Lori – While you’re correct that there are lawyers who do occasionally work for free, this is hardly an avenue you’d want to rely upon when you’re considering whether or not to do something that could risk your job.

    My personal opinion is that the employees should report concerns immediately whether they feel it may affect their position or not, however the assumption that free legal assistance will be available to a whistleblower is a faulty one, as was made evident by the local whistleblower trial which (often) places a financial burden on the innocent.

  20. @Lori
    I mentioned that story because people are saying that these stories are lies and made up by “disgruntled employees”. Unfortunately things have happened. I’m not sure exactly how it was handled- At the time I didn’t know that things weren’t being reported. I assumed it was being taken care of by management. And maybe it was reported- I’m not sure. It wasn’t toddlers- it was preschoolers.
    And for the record…I’m not “only speaking out now”- I told the people who needed to be told before and they decided what to do with that information. What do you want me to do? Go around Cornwall shouting about every single incident that happened? Things take time- Yes at the time of my employment I felt that there were violations of the DNA. I reported to the proper officials. End of story.
    My point is that these things aren’t made up by people who have had bad experiences with HOTF & Christina Stephenson. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again… I have friends who are amazing ECEs that work there and I absolutely do not want them to shut down. BUT knowing what I know I DO support the Ministry’s decisions and agree with their terms of reopening the centre.
    Everyone has had a different experience and will draw conclusions from their own experiences. I’m not telling anyone NO YOU DIDN’T HAVE A GOOD EXPERIENCE. So why are people questioning my bad experience? What do I have to gain in making this stuff up? People have made comments “I hope Heart counters, and I hope these people who are making false accusations are charged”… where is your proof that these are false allegations? I’m not trying to sway anyone.. I’m just telling a different side of the story and sharing my negative experience.
    Hell- I’m glad you had a good experience and haven’t had to deal with the bologna that went on there.
    You can say whatever you want and call it what you want but until you walk in my shoes please don’t tell me what I should have done and how I should have done it. I am well educated and well aware of what my obligations are as an ECE and I fulfilled my duties at the time.

  21. @Melanie – I don’t think that you’re making anything up. I think a lot of people here are misconstruing my comments, and a few just disagree with me no matter what I say.

    Here’s the bottom line for me, plain & simple.

    It saddens me that you & others allowed people to intimidate you & use scare tactics in the attempt to silence you.

  22. And if it is found that people did make false allegations, then yes, they should absolutely be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Goes both ways.

  23. If you own a smartphone, just remember that it can be your best friend at times. I’m assuming that any & all reports that were made had to be in writing? I know hindsight is 20/20, but for future reference, never hesitate to take pics if you sense that you may find yourself in any kind of compromising situation. Trust me… I’m living it firsthand as I type this.

  24. hello.. i know a couple people that worked at the daycare at the time of these incidents.. that no longer work there 1..{MODERATED} he is a hard kid to handle.. he was supervised when fell down the stairs.. {MODERATED}.. they did call the parent.. she did come in.. take a look at him.. and SIGNED off on the paper and they did call paramedics… also.. i know of a incident at judy rose’s daycare.. they {MODERATED} yes the teacher did get fired.. and {MODERATED}.. kids r goin to get hurt.. fall.. even under your own supervision… just a pissed off parent because her son can’t be controlled and a pissed of ex employee because she got fired.. 2 selfish adults that dont care about the workers that have to live and over 100 families that have to find alternate daycare’s.. because of someone being selfish.. they will not find anything in the investigation it will reopen.. and thos 2 3 people that made “allegations” was for nothing.. that just cost all the workers money and stress.. and all thos families the same. GROW UP

  25. @Lori, no reports did not have to be made in writing. They were called in (from me anyways- not sure what other people did).
    And again in my situation, I did not “allow people to intimidate me & use scare tactics in the attempt to silence me.” …I reported to the proper officials when something needed to be reported.

    At the time did I think that the children were in crazy amounts of danger? No. Do I think they are now? Maybe, maybe not. Fact of the matter is that there was a lot of oversight on the part of the management that needs to be rectified. I’m not wishing hell on the whole place. I hope they reopen speedily and that they get a professional, competent Director. It will improve the centre and the staff and all will be well again.

  26. @Outsider – Well THAT was interesting. Thanks for your insightful comments. Are you 100% certain that the parents of the 18 month old who fell down the stairs were called when the incident happened? How about the paramedics? they attended the scene? If this is true, why are so many people claiming the exact opposite? I’ve noticed that the same few people seem to have it in for HOTF as a whole. They don’t care about the here and now. They don’t seem to look beyond the end of their noses. I had to laugh when I read Ms. Rose’s statement about how nothing like this has ever happened in Cornwall. Spare me. Kids get hurt at home, at daycare, at school. It’s a fact of life. My granddaughter is a little tomboy… Always full of scrapes and bruises. Maybe I should call CAS & report HOTF. :-/

  27. @Melanie – I see a lot of inconsistencies in the way incidents were handled. My granddaughter went through a biting period (when she first started attending HOTF) & we were made to sign incident forms every single time she bit another child. I find this all SO confusing. You seem to have HOTF’s best interest at heart. I think you’re sincere in what you’re sharing. Some of this stuff is just mind boggling though…

    Oh & what’s up with the little stars? Is this a popularity contest?? If so, I guess I’m in last place! Haha! TGIF everyone!!:)

  28. I am glad to see that the Cornwall Police are going to be investigating these wrong doings. I hope for the accuracy of the investigation that the police chief is not going to be involved because he is an avid member of HCF. The pastors son is also a constable on the Cornwall Police force. There would be a large conflict of interest.

  29. Thank you Lori. I’ll admit that at one point in time I was a disgruntled employee because of what was happening. And I became that person again when I saw that people were saying “disgruntled employees” were making false accusations. I am making my conclusions based on my experiences and what I know. I know firsthand what Christina Stephenson is capable of, therefore I believe all of what CAS has listed on those notices. BUT I also know that there are amazing staff at Heart so I’m trying to be more neutral and rational while still getting the real story out.

  30. Also, in my opinion, I don’t think that Judy Rose’s statement meant that no one has ever gotten hurt in a daycare before. I took it as nothing like this has ever happened to the extent of requiring a closure.

    Everyone interpret’s things differently.

  31. It sounds like there have been several disgruntled former employees who finally got brave enough to report things they saw. Any business can go through this if their staff don’t think things are being handled properly. This just happens to be a business that takes care of our children and the rules are probably very strict on what is supposed to be done when a child has an accident or incident. If I were an employee of this business I’d be upset too if my boss wasn’t following the ministry rules and expecting me to just keep my mouth shut for fear of losing my job. From the pictures some of these teachers look young and impressionible. Some of them must know what what went on or goes on and maybe the police and CAS will get to the truth. Its probably just a matter of changing management to make sure these teachers are supervised and trained and know they can work within the letter of the law without being fired if they complain. I’m anxious to see how this all plays out because we all need to know our kids are safe in day care.

  32. so i posted some some that got moderated.. i guess because it was about a few incidents that happen at other daycare’s other then HOTF.. i guess free news isn’t exactly news when they dont want u to know the whole story..BS

  33. Author

    no outsider you were moderated because you stated things as fact anonymously that were litigious.

  34. @lori.. yes i know 100% i know a person that worked there when this happened..that person was the one who called the paramedics there is all there reports.. thats why nothing will come out of this… ALL employee’s can call and stay anonymous..and make thos acquisitions while there still there is there so worried.. they dont need to fear about loosing there jobs. CAS will still investigate.. its just funny how they come out after they get fired..

  35. @Outsider – Thanks for clarifying! Now wouldn’t it be something if each & every incident involved the same kids?? Imagine… The truth shall prevail!

  36. …And you’re welcome, Melanie. 🙂

  37. What happened to the Facebook group for families of Heart? Does anyone know any more info on re opening or what the story is?

  38. The group is still there. We don’t know any more information than you do. It’s not HOTF’s official group. Perhaps someone else posting here has more info.

  39. @JStuart – Look at you all uppity, accusing Ashley of attacking others. May I suggest you take a look in the mirror. You’ve done nothing but attack me since I started posting here. Not only that, but your views as so obviously biased & defensive. I’m honestly beginning to think that you’re directly involved in this whole fiasco.

  40. Here’s my problem, I don’t know if allegations are 100% true or not BUT as a parent who wants the best for her children, I would not enroll my children in a school that was closed down for the reasons HotF was closed for. I see a lot of the parents who are supporting them seem to be doing so based on the fact there they can’t find other affordable, subsidized child care. Uhm, I don’t care if it’s free, if there is a chance my kids are getting less then stellar care I’m not sending them. Where there is smoke there is fire, there are a LOT of allegations going on and if even 25% are true, then I wouldn’t want to send my kids there. As for the bashing of Freenews on the HotF support site, are you not doing what you claim the other institutions are doing to HotF? And as for those bashing CAS, are you kidding me? Yes I’m sure that in their zeal to see to the safety of CHILDREN they occasionally jump the gun, I, personally, am glad to see it. I would rather see them be over zealous in seeking child well being then lack luster. I don’t subscribe to conspiracy theories, but fact remains it was closed down until certain changes are implemented. That would cause a person who believe that something other then what they are being asked to change was being done at the time of shut down. Otherwise, why would they do this? Personal vendetta? I think CAS officials/employees have better things to do then make things up out of whole cloth.

  41. @Debbie – You’re entitled to your opinion, but I still stand by mine. CAS are notorious for screwing up the lives of innocent people. Yes, I agree that due to the nature of the allegations, of course there should be an investigation. I’d be very concerned if the proper authorities didn’t investigate. Being “over zealous” is one thing. Almost destroying an innocent family by jumping the gun is another! If you’ve never witnessed it first hand, kindly stop judging those of us who have. It’s obvious that some of the people posting here are privy to “inside info”. Has it ever occurred to any of you that perhaps some of us who DO support HOTF are also privy to info that hasn’t been made public?? I so can’t wait for the WHOLE truth to come out! You people will be eating your words. I believe that with all my heart.

    As for daycare subsidies, they’re available at just about every daycare facility in Cornwall. HOTF’s fees are no less than other
    facilities. The fact that it’s open 24/7 makes it appealing to many parents who work shift work. Also, despite these allegations, there are way more people supporting HOTF than not. The kid who fell down the stairs? He was being supervised. Accidents happen. Kids fall. It’s unfortunate, but its true. Anyone who has children & even an ounce of common sense will agree with me. The claim that nothing was done is total B.S. It’s already been established that paramedics attended the scene, as did one of the parents (who subsequently “signed off” on the incident). If HOTF is such a horrible place, why continue to allow them to care for your child after said child fell down a flight of stairs due to negligent staff??? How does that make sense?? I believe that this is the work of ONE parent who’s been influenced by outside sources.

    As for “bashing” Cornwall Free News? Gimme a break right back at ya! “Reporters” are supposed to be unbiased, are they not?

  42. Author

    Actually Lori I have exhibited no bias towards HOF. I have covered what happened with photos of the notices on the door. I have tried several times to contact HOF and the Christina with not even a polite reply of no contact.

    There is no reason to “bash” CFN. Media have a responsibility to be fair and honest which we have always been and always will be.

    Btw, do you really think CAS would take the actions they have against HOF frivolously? Do you and others not think that they know the importance of having a 24 hour daycare of its size in Cornwall?

    While no agency is perfect for anyone to slag off the Ministry, CAS, and Cornwall Police over this incident at HOF is ludicrous at best and totally insane at worst. There are procedures to follow in the case of error or incident. According to the documents some of those may not have been followed.

    I think many have to read the paperwork that was posted and I think some people like Chelsea Raso need to speak openly with the public. I think Christina needs to be accountable to the public as well. Is that being bias or simply stating some honest truths?

    You don’t mess around with children. There are rules in place for a reason and with the history of Project Truth in this town I think having extra scrutiny is important although judging from the time frames it seems that the actions taken were not done lightly and could have been done sooner.

    Cornwall, like all communities, needs good daycare. I’m sure there are some great people working at HOTF; but if there were some that weren’t and Christina and the School didn’t handle it well they should face the consequences and the families and parents should know as well as the public.

    And if we can’t trust our CAS staff, or police, or the Ministry as some have posted what does that say of our society?

    Stay tuned to our update coming up this week.

  43. I’ve been quite clear about my views regarding an investigation. Of course I want to know that my granddaughter & all other children attending HOTF are safe. People have made derogatory comments about the Cornwall Police Force for whatever reasons. I’m telling you that I have very good reason AND proof to back up my claims about the CAS. Just like you’re saying you’re sure there are good employees at HOTF, I’m sure there are good employees at CAS. I have a family member who works there & so I’m very well aware of what their procedures should be. If you knew what I knew about these “incidents” that are being investigated, you’d be shaking your head just as I am. If Chris isn’t qualified to run the center, then hire someone else. Wanda Gareau Hunt is the Program Director at HOTF (not sure if she was when these incidents happened), but she is more than qualified to run the program. She cared for my son (as many of you who creep the FB page are aware) when he was my granddaughter’s age. My intent isn’t to bash CFN. I just think it’s cowardly for some of the people here to hide behind pseudonyms, go creep the FB page, then come back here & twist people’s words around.

    In all honesty, if I were Chris, I wouldn’t want to speak with you either. I’m sure she’s seen this discussion & that 95% of the people posting have it out for her & I still maintain that most, if not all of the allegations made were made by ONE person who was influenced by outside sources, and I hope to God the truth comes out when a final report is released.

  44. Who is Chelsea Raso??? I must have missed something.

  45. Author

    Lori people care a lot about kids. Their silence without any public statement is not terribly professional. There is no denial of the charges. There is no mea culpa ie; we made some mistakes and we’ll fix them, what else is the public to do but speculate?

  46. But employees of HOTF have spoken freely with the Standard Freeholder. They stated that they were making the changes required & taking part in the mandatory training. Call me a dreamer, but I believe that when HOTF reopens, it will be better than ever. I’m speculating here, but I would assume that due to the police investigation & possible charges, Chris is most likely not speaking due to legal advice. I don’t think she’s spoken with anyone else. I wrote her on FB & she didn’t reply to me either. I think she’s been told to keep quiet.

  47. Author

    a few employees gave some info out – it’s up to the director to make a statement. And yes, legal advice would probably be not to directly address certain issues; but there are non-statements that you have to make in this situation to help stem speculation. Btw Lori the Freeholder did not allow comments on that piece thus allowing any discussion and possibly information coming to light…

  48. Just gave you 5 stars for that one! I didn’t read the online version of the last article. My folks still get the actual newspaper. See, I’m totally NOT okay with the SF not allowing the public to comment. What’s up with that???

  49. Oh, and can you please tell me who Chelsey Raso is? I googled her name & found a connection to a daycare in Ottawa, but other than that I have no clue who she is or what part she plays in this whole fiasco.

  50. Author

    You’d have to ask the Free Holder Lori. Our update on HOF comes out by Wednesday. We’re just waiting on a few more interviews and I’ll give Christina or her board one more chance to state their side of the story as well as Ms Raso.

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