|
Dec.
4, 1989 Report | Nov. 26, 1990
| April 26, 1991 report:
Lawsuit
of Peter Klassen and Michael Ross
| Diane Ens | Letter
from Kathy to Justice Minister Chris Axworthy, summer 2001
| Dueck's notes |
We have reposted the page on Ruby Lafayette and the therapist
page, which we re-named the Stupid page
in her (dis)honour.
- Carol Bunko-Ruys
Reports (Sept. 3, 1991)
-
- The Klassen
story
- Breaking
through to the public
What follows is Carol Bunko-Ruys
entire report dated Sep. 3, 91. See also the
Thompson papers At the Preliminary Hearing of the charges
against the natural parents, Bunko was sworn in as an expert
witness:
 Page
52, line 17, (Volume # 1)(Q. Miazga) And you're a member of the
Adlerian Society? (A. Bunko-Ruys) Yes. ... The Adlerian Society is based in Saskatoon
and they provide a lot of information on Adlerian psychology,
they're involved in parenting workshops in the City.
(Official
Court Transcript)
COMMUNITY CHILD CARE CONSULTANTS
715 Broadway Avenue, Saskatoon, Sask. S7N 1B3
Telephone (306) 652-0744
CAROL BUNKO | DEL WILLIAMS
INVOLVEMENT SUMMMARY
CLIENTS:
Michael Ross, D.O.B.: October
18, 1979 | Age: 11 years
Cathy Ross, D.O.B.: March 4, 1982 | Age: 9 years
Michelle Ross, D.O.B. March 4, 1982, Age: 9 years
STATUS: All children are permanent wards
PLACEMENT: Marilyn and Lyle
Thompson, Box 170, Warman, Saskatchewan, PHONE: 242-2934
SCHOOL PLACEMENT: Warman Elementary | Principal - John Reddekopp
| Program Consultant: Cathy Muttart | Ed. Assistant - Diane Jasnoch
D.S.S. WORKER: Liz Newton
CITY POLICE CONTACT: Constable Brian Dueck
WRITER: Carol Bunko-Ruys
PERIOD OF INVOLVEMENT: May
1, 1991 - August 29, 1991
DATE OF REPORT: September 3,
1991
(Note this document is for
confidential purposes only. Direct
any Questions or concerns to writer)
September 3 , 1991 (this report
is only partially reproduced. The relevant words are found here.)
INTRODUCTION: (Note: This update
follows report dated April 26 1991.)
Dec. 4, 1989 Report | Nov.
26, 1990 |
Over the past four months,
writer has continued involvement with the Ross children both
individually and as a group. During May and June, contact was
provided weekly. Over the summer months, contact was less frequent.
The Ross children continue
to present disfunctional behaviors consitent with other children
having experienced severe trauma. They require ongoing therapeutic
involvement to assist both emotional and social development.
While periods of regression are noted, the Ross children continue
to make progress regarding their overall level of functioning.
With that in mind, the following is presented for the purpose
of update.
SIBLING GROUP ISSUES
Sexual Behavior - A period of approximately four months passed
where it appeared that the Ross children had not victimized each
other (mid-January - mid - May). The success of this goal most
likely can be attributed to the highly structured plan in place
at that time (i.e. buzzers on bedroom doors at night, close supervision).
During May and June, the children reported occasional incidents
of abuse amongst each other. Two patterns consistent in the cycle
seem to be Michael's choice to victimize Michelle and Michelle's
choice to victimize Cathy. On occasion, both Michael and Michelle
have reported agreeable sexual participation with each other.
In response to this regression, writer held a group session in
late June which focused on the victim-perpetrator cycle noted
within this sibling group. The overall nature of this session
was highly confrontational. Near the end of the session, the
children were instructed to record their plan as a group. Writer
left the room briefly and listened outside the door. After initial
sounds related to anger (chair banging), the children were talking
about the new plan. While this session appeared to impact Michael
in particular, the girls later told the Thompsons that Michael
had sexually abused them in the writer's absence. Michael denied
this initially and later confirmed the allegations.
Since that time, Michelle and
Cathy have made a great deal of progress in dealing with the
pattern of abuse developed between themselves. Cathy began to
tell the Thompsons each time Michelle touched her. Prior to this
July, Cathy was unable to move out of her role as a victim in
order to let others know. Michelle has also worked hard on her
touching problem. Thus the girls have been able to share a room
for the summer months without further incident.
GROUP FUNCTIONING
It is also noted that the Ross children have developed a similar
pattern in their daily functioning which appears consistent to
the cycle of abuse established amongst themselves. It appears
that only one of the children can make healthy choices at a time,
leaving the other two in a victim role. This further leads to
what appears as "set up" behavior by those currently
in the role of victims. Thus, the person doing well is pressured
into again joining the others by making poor choices. This cycle
seems to repeat itself approximately every two to three weeks.
Earlier in the year, this cycle seemed to repeat quicker. In
the past couple of months, the Ross children have experienced
brief periods where they all maintin health choice-making at
the same time. While this cycle remains of concern to writer,
progress is noted. The overall nature os this cycle seems to
be based on power and control which is frequently noted in children
who have experienced abuse.
PARTICIPATION IN STRUCTURED
ACTIVITIES
Unlike other children their age, Michael, Michelle and Cathy
have been unable to participate in structured activities related
to an area of interest. This has largely been due to the need
for close supervision to prevent sexual abuse of other children.
The benefit of such participation is noted in terms of it's potential
to enhance social skill development for each child. This is a
necessary area to further explore. It is hoped that each child
will be involved in an appropriate activity over the next few
months. In selecting such activities, consideration must be given
to the provision of adequate supervision (i.e. small group or
individual lessons).
Michael
Continues to make progress
regarding dysfunctional behaviors and issues (longer periods
of positive choice-making, development of a more positive sense
of self as he experiences internal control over dysfunctional
behavior).
Experiences periods of regression
which include sexually abusing his siters. Writer remains extremely
concerned as Michael appears somewhat obsessive during these
periods. He recently requested to cRoss dress in one session.
Such requests have certainly decreased while they seemed connected
to his abusive cycle. Writer attempted to have Michael explore
this notion opposed to actually dressing up. He was able to accept
the plan and gained insight regarding this need as part of a
larger problem. Writer notes a time when Michael would not have
made this choice. Rather he would hae been upset and become angry
with writer for denying his request.
Recently noted to modeling
himself after the older Thompron boys (i.e. wanting to dress
like them, participate in similar activities). This suggests
a connection within the family as well as a choice to develop
more age appropriate skills.
Michael has again been urinating
on articles of clothing and hiding them in the past month. This
raises problems in that Michael has ruined several items of clothing.
He has been requested to rinse the articles out and have them
laundered. This behavior was noted earlier in the year. Michael
was able to control the urge for a period of time.
ONGOING TREATMENT GOALS
Continue to provide Michael with opportunities to explore issues
and concerns related to past victimization.
Given the concern regarding
Michael's potential for ongoing abuse as a perpetrator, writer
recommends further support services be considered. Michael turns
twelve years old next month and is at risk to become involved
in the young offender system should he continue to abuse. Thus,
as part of an upcoming psychological at MacNeill clinic, Michael's
potential as a candidate for the offenders group should be considered.
To date, writer has not provided
Michael with any information regarding his disclosures of what
appears to be consistent with others having experienced Ritual
abuse. Following consultation with others involved (i.e. Department
of Social Services, Crown Prosecutor's office) writer suggests
providing enough information to allow Michael a cognitive framework
to assist him in understanding what he has experienced. Michael
is at a developmental stage where this could be of great benefit.
Michael continues to feel he is "bad" and responsible
for his participation in extremely traumatic events.
Cathy
continues to make progress in several areas (i.e. more positive
sense of self, ability to move out of victims role in certain
situations.)
During times of regression,
Cathy presents in defiant and closed manner. This style of copying
remains rather entrenched at this time. This style gets in the
way of Cathy developing positive relationships with others.
Recently Cathy was noted to
have been urinating in the clothes. This behavior was discussed
in previous update. Prior to this regression, Cathy had gone
through a period of approximately three months where this did
not occur.
Cathy has recently stated occasional
feelings of wanting to touch others. Prior to these statements,
Cathy has often denied having a touching problem.
Over the past four months,
Cathy has returned to a theme that includes monsters or vampires
with blood dripping down the chin. This was noted in drawings,
masks and actual face painting. While Cathy has not discussed
any connection to actual experiences, her need to master this
theme may be of significance.
ONGOING TREATMENT GOALS
Continue to provide opportunities for Cathy to work through past
trauma through the use of dress-up, play and art.
Support Cathy's development
toward a healthier set of coping behaviors (i.e. express frustration,
anger and fear rather than act them out).
Continue to explore the extent
of Cathy's potential to abuse others. Having Admitted to this
problem, Cathy is in a position to receive further intervention
at this time.
Michelle
Has worked very hard on her touching problem over the past two
months. She has developed a sense of seriousness regarding her
problem which was not evident in prior months. Michelle willingly
participates in exercises provided to deal with this issue. In
the past, Michelle would whine.
Michelle is very proud of present
accomplishments regarding dysfunctional behavior. This is adding
to her development of a healthier sense of self.
Continues to demonstrate a
dysfunctional coping style when stressed (i.e. manipulates.).
Overall, Michelle continues
to make progress, while periods of regression are noted.
ONGOING TREATMENT GOALS
Continue to support Michelle progress regarding her touching
problem - both as a victim and perpetrator.
Provide ongoing opportunities
to work through issues related to past trauma.
Support Michelle's growth toward
a healthier coping style.
UPCOMING COURT
The Ross are aware that charges have been laid by the Saskatoon
City Police.To date they have met once as a group with the Crown
prosecutor. This meeting was at writer's office to provide a
less formal initial meeting. The children will begin meeting
with the prosecutor on an intial basis for the purpose of court
preparation.
Each of the children have expressed
fear worry related to the upcoming court. The children will require
a great deal of emotional support over the next few months as
court dates are set for late November and early December.
SCHOOL PLACEMENT
The Ross children had a successful year at school with each child
passing their grade. Dysfunctional behaviors and need for supervision
remain a concern for the 1991 -2 school year. The children will
continue to receive close supervision during free time (i.e.
recess, lunch). Both Michael and Michelle have been provided
with an aide.
Writer is aware that Liz Newton
will provide ongoing consultation with school personnel. Writer
will not participate in this process unless requested by Department
of Social Services for specific situations that may arise.
The Thompsons also continue
to provide ongoing contact with the school. This continues to
be useful in the overall functioning of these children.
SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS
During the past few months, the Ross children have continued
to make progress. However, writer remains concerned with their
inability to stop victimizing each other. This factor must be
reviewed occasionally and considered in planning for these children.
The benefits of
keeping siblings together is highly supported by the writer. However, if that arrangement continues
to impede progress, alternate options could be explored. The
use of respite on short-term separate placements may allow the
children to develop their individual strengths at a greater rate.
Writer is not recommending any action to be taken at this time.
Rather, that this particular issue be considered and evaluated
periodically. These children require support and intervention
best suited to meet their needs. With that in mind, the following
recommendations are made:
That writer continue involvement
with the Ross children on a bi-monthly basis should outlined
treatment goals be extended, writer would request more frequent
intervention. However, given the length of involvement, it is
writer's experience that children benefit from less intensive
work for periods of time.
That writer continue participation
in consultation with the Thompsons and D.S.S. on a bi-monthly
basis. Liz Newton informed writer of her plan to meet with the
Thompsons on a weekly basis for the purpose of providing support
and to develop behavior management plans.
The writer provide consultation
with personnel from MacNeill clinic for the purpose of sharing
information related to referral for psychological testing.
Terms of treatment
That a total of 21 sessions
be provided to the Ross children over the period of September
5 to November 29, 1991.
That a total of 7 sessions
be provided for consultation with D.S.S. and Thompsons over a
period of September 5 to November 29, 1991.
Given the upcoming court, writer
will be required to use additional sessions. The number of sessions
is difficult to determine at this time.
Respectfully submitted:
Carol Bunko-Ruys
CBR:LH
The confidential purposes
to which Carol Bunko-Ruys refers could fall into the category
of "bad secrets." Good secrets are ones that don't
hurt anybody and bad ones hurt the keeper of the secret or others,
according to the therapy used by Bunko and others. By disclosing
this document, injusticebusters does Ms. Bunko-Ruys
the service of unloading from her a guilty secret. By jettisoning
this baggage, she can make the first step to becoming an honest
individual.
|
Truth can never be
told so as to be understood, and not be believ'd. William Blake, The Proverbs of Hell