Children’s Home Staff Irate Staff’s Charges Were Aired

Staff at the Maxfield Park Children’s Home who was tight-lipped last Friday about charges laid against one of their own, on Tuesday, May 25, staged a protest refuting allegations made in a CVM Live story among other concerns. They also questioned the handling of the police investigation.

The news story highlighted 37 year old Avril James a former caregiver at the institution who was charged with cruelty towards a child. James was alleged to have beaten a 10 year old boy from his sleep with a cricket bat.

The accused was charged with two counts of cruelty towards a child late last week arising from two separate incidents earlier this year.

Meanwhile, CVM Live understands the board at the institution was not aware of the intended protest by staff.

Richard Lawrence was the distinct voice speaking on behalf of the staff members. Lawrence says the children were brought in to the police by a guidance counselor without listening to the staff.

Additionally, staff found fault with the child protection and family services representative at the institution claiming the representative does not represent them.

The staff says the investigation was not transparent as to the reason for charging James and they demand answers from the authorities.