Guilty As Charged

I am sad to say that I am equally at fault here.
Perhaps even more at fault, given my personal connection* to this issue.

You see, although I recall hearing about the release of the Braemore Report on the radio (and equally recall my bestest intentions to get a copy of the report and write a blawg post), once again, life got in the way.

But fortunately it's not too late.  Not for me. Not for you.

Let's make sure it's not too late for them.

Dear Families, Friends and Members of NSACL

In October, 2011 the Department of Community Services released a long awaited Operational Review of Braemore Home in Sydney, Nova Scotia. This review came about after findings of abuse related to a 21 year old resident with Autism. Two days after the release NSACL along with our National Association, CACL released a press release, which has to date not been picked up by the media. We need to bring this review and our concerns to the media. The same week this review was released the news of the Ship Building contract was announced and it is believed that the review and its findings got lost. WE CAN’T LET THIS HAPPEN

I am attaching the Braemore Review...please read it... please also be prepared to read some very distressing and disturbing information. I am also attaching the addresses of Minister Denise Peterson –Rafuse and Premier Dexter in the hopes that you will write a letter in regards to the review. I am also including how you can get in touch with the Chronicle Herald’s letter to the Editor department. Letters to the editor: email letters@herald.ca And lastly I am attaching our press release.

• We need to let people know that this is not acceptable, not now, not ever and certainly not one more day. This is not what we want for our sons, daughters or family members.
• Nova Scotians should be outraged that persons with disabilities are being abused in institutions.
• Nova Scotians should be outraged that institutions exist in this province, there is no place in Nova Scotia for institutional services for persons with intellectual disabilities. Regardless of degree of disability or complexity of needs, all are equally entitled to community based support. 
• NSACL’s position paper on Deinstitutionalization is also attached to this email.

Please write letters to the editor, letters to the Minister of the Department of Community Services, the Premier and your local MLA’s. We cannot let this go unnoticed...we need to have a strong voice.

Thank you in advance for bringing attention to this matter. If you wish further information please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me.

Jean Coleman,
Executive Director
Nova Scotia Association for Community Living
22-24 Dundas Street, Suite 100 Dartmouth, NS
B2Y 4L2
469-1174
nsacl@accesswave.ca

Braemore Home Operational Review
Braemore Press Release
NSACL Position Paper on Deinstitutionalization

Honourable Darrell Dexter                 424-6600                     424-7648                premier@gov.ns.ca  

Premier, Office of the Premier

7th Floor, One Government Place

1700 Granville Street

P.O. Box 726

Halifax, Nova Scotia

B3J 2T3

Honourable Denise Peterson-Rafuse    424-4304                  428-0618                   petersdj@gov.ns.ca

Department of Community Services

8th Floor, Nelson Place

5675 Spring Garden Road

P.O. Box 696

Halifax, Nova Scotia

B3J 2T7

We know what we need to do. 
Now are we up for the challenge? 

* I have a sister-in-law residing in Braemore.