Social worker fired in two deaths.

EDMONTON -- A senior social worker was fired after an investigation into the January death of infant twin girls. The girls died while being transported by their grandfather to his home in Ontario. As a result new Alberta standards directing child welfare workers in private guardianship applications were set. Private guardianship of the gifts and their brother had been awarded in Slave Lake to their grandfather two days earlier.

A seven-member Children's Services special case review was was asked to investigate the ministry's decision-making process and role in selecting applicants for private guardianship; transition services provided when the children were placed with their grandfather; the effects of cost restraints on the decisions that were made, and the effects of caseload size. It made 15 recommendations, including:

* a standardized family assessment, a child protection services review and a criminal record check of the applicants and all others in the home;

* clear and documented communication between provincial authorities and local Child and Family Services Authorities;

* inclusion of private guardianship issues in a coming legislative review of the Child Welfare Act;

* orientation and training for staff on new standards and practices relating to private guardianship applications and on protocols for families moving out of Alberta, and on court proceedings;

* thorough and timely documentation of decisions;

* transitional services such as follow-up by ministry staff;

* provision of support services based on standardized safety and risk assessments;

* a safety plan to address any identified risks.