There are new questions concerning whether the tragic death of ""Baby Kal" could have been prevented. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Infant death

Investigation widened in death of Prince Albert infant

Mar 28, 2019 | 6:18 PM

As police investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of an infant boy in Prince Albert, paNOW has learned more about the care that was being provided to him.

Kelvin Jonathan McCallum III (Baby Kal), had been in the foster care of his aunt for just over a year, prior to being turned back over to his father, who now faces a charge of second degree murder.

As per their policy, in the cases where a child who was in the care of social services or receiving services in the past 12 months experiences a critical injury or passes away, the ministry conducts a thorough review. When completed, the review is then shared with the Advocate for Child and Youth, which may conduct its own separate investigation.

“This is a tragic situation, and our thoughts are with the loved ones, friends, family and community,” an emailed statement from the Ministry read. “We are unable to provide you with information at this time. This includes whether the Ministry of Social Services has or had any involvement with the child or the family.”

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A memorial has been set up outside the building where Baby Kal had been living. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

According to the statement from the Ministry of Social services, close to 60 per cent of children who are apprehended from the care of their birth parents, live with an extended family member. When assessing if the parents can regain custody, the statement said a number of factors are considered including identifying strengths the parents may have in terms of community and extended family support.

“We will then connect the family to those supports to strengthen the family, and reduce the likelihood that the child may need to come into care again in the future,” the statement said.

Further in the statement it was explained that when a child is returned home, and based on the age of the child and the needs of the family, the ministry will maintain an open file. This includes continued contact with the child and the family to ensure those supports are working, and the family is experiencing success.

paNOW reached out to Saskatchewan’s Children’s Advocate, but they declined comment.

The NDP’s Social Services Critic and MLA for Prince Albert Northcote, Nicole Rancourt, said the case involving the infant boy is very sad.

“As a social worker I can say this is your worst nightmare. We go home every day hoping the decisions we make are the right ones because we know that those decisions can be life or death,” she said.

Rancourt confirmed she had been in contact with the Ministry of Social Services and had also been advised of the ongoing investigation. Rancourt said it’s hard to determine at this time if the child fell through cracks in the system, until the results of the investigation come forward.

“Through these investigations I think it’s going to be really important we recognize if there’s anything that needs to be done to ensure this never happens again,” she said.

According to the statement from the ministry, there were 3,199 children and youth in their care as of December 31, 2018. There have also 2,038 children and youth placed in the legal custody of extended family members or a trusted family connection through a court order.

Kelvin McCallum Jr., the man charged in connection with the death of the 21-month-old boy, has been scheduled to make his next court appearance April 10 at Prince Albert Provincial Court.

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nigel.maxwell@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell