By Scott Roblin

Focus on local day home safety following alleged assault in Calgary

Jun 27, 2017 | 5:04 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – The investigation into an alleged sexual assault of a three-year-old girl at a day home in Calgary continues this week.

Jane’s Day Home closed its doors after it police laid sexual assault charges against 65-year-old Gary Hachey, while parents have been notified.

Locally, Christina Johnson with SARC said it’s a troubling case, especially due to the trust that parents put in day home operators.

“Whenever reports of child sexual abuse come and the individual who offends is in a position of trust and authority, it is disheartening and traumatic for the family as well as for communities,” said Johnson. “Because, they question where their children are safe.”

This case has ignited calls for parents to take a closer look at their child care providers, and the checks and balances that go along with choosing a day home operator.

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A move that Jennifer User, coordinator for the Medicine Hat & District Child Care Association agreed with.

“We definitely feel for that family and the child that was involved,” said Usher. “We would hope that other families would take this as a sign that they should be using approved day homes within Alberta, for sure.”

Hachey had previously been charged with sexual assault in 2006, but he was later acquitted.

Jane’s Day Home was unlicensed, meaning they could only take a maximum of six kids at a time. It also means there were no routine background checks or inspections.

Something that isn’t mandatory under the unlicensed program, according to Cheryl Crowther with the Alberta Family Child Care Association.

“The responsibility is up to the parent to do their interviews, and to check into these facilities,” said Crowther. “But, there is no pre-requisite whatsoever, anyone can decide to look after children in their home as a private baby sitter.”

Cherilyn Elton has been a day home operator in Medicine Hat for almost two years, after moving to her own operation following a period with a day care centre.

She said despite the charges in Calgary, the vast majority of day homes are still a safe, reliable option for local child care.

“I don’t want friends or other people in my own hometown thinking this occurrence can happen more so in day homes, as opposed to accredited centres.”

The biggest tips for parents include choosing approved day homes and to listen to their kids if something seems amiss.

“Most often when children do disclose child sexual abuse they don’t say, ‘so and so touched my private part,’” said Johnson. “They might say things like, ‘I don’t want to go to so and so’s house anymore’ or ‘someone is strange.’”

Hachey will be back in court on August 4 to face charges of sexual interference and sexual assault with a child.