Weechi-it-te-win Family Services is a child welfare agency serving Fort Francis, Ontario. Recently they were put under the microscope for their potentially dishonest use of purported expert Shirppa Sterling. As it turns out, this "expert" was actually a long time grifter, falsifying credentials and giving testimony that would result in irreparable harms to the lives of families; a total number is not yet known.
Although she is no longer listed on their website, A PDF document, outlining Weechi-it-te-win Family Services Psychological Service Policy, confirms Sterling's previous job title and the credentials she claimed. The document states her official title was Counseling Consultant and that Sterling is licensed in Manitoba; however she's not registered with the Manitoba Psychological Association. On Sterling's Zoom profile, she has School Psychologist at Manitoba first Nation Education Resource Centre listed; however she is not listed as an employee on their official website either.
This raises many questions, concerns, and a level of distrust for the public servants we have entrusted to ensure our children's safety and best interests are being upheld. For instance:
1. How many cases did Sterling oversee?
2. How many children were apprehended at her advice?
3. How many court cases did she serve as an expert witness?
4. How are credentials being checked?
5. How many other expert witnesses across Canada aren't exactly who they say they are?
Ontario has recently made amendments regarding expert witnesses, their duties as well as sourcing their testimony and answering how they formed their final opinion. Under the Federal Code of Conduct for Expert Witnesses, mentioned in section 3(C) it states the expert's curriculum vitae (resume) needs to be attached to their report. I really didn't see anything about showing proof of actual credentials. Does this mean that our courts are simply taking people and agencies word for it?
Just to be clear, Weechi-it-te-win Family Services is the same agency, that abruptly removed a child, from a home that she was happy and healthy in; after the foster parent appeared in an interview with APTN that outlined concerns with within the agency. Although Sterling was involved in this case, she doesn't seem to be directly involved with the removal of this child last year.
What do you call it, when a child welfare agency uses children as a weapon; because when a mother does it to a father, we call it parental alienation. Just as pretending to be a Psychologist is impersonation and lying to the courts is perjury; both indictable offenses. All of these are gross misuse of power and trust. Anyone guilty of such offenses should be held accountable in the court of law. Please view our plan for systemic change and feel free to leave a comment!