4-y-o from Mountain View Avenue house fire taken into care of CPFSA

The Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA) says it has taken the four-year-old boy who was involved in last Saturday's deadly Mountain View Avenue house fire into its care.

A one-year-old toddler was killed in the blaze.

The fire, which also destroyed the home and belongings of the affected families living at the residence, occurred when the two children were left unattended.

According to CPFSA CEO Laurette Adams-Thomas, the four-year-old boy is deeply impacted by the traumatic experience.

“Our first priority is to ensure the safety and well-being of the child. He is receiving care and will continue to be supported through counselling and therapeutic services to help him process this tragedy,” Adams-Thomas said.

Headlines Delivered to Your Inbox

Sign up for The Gleaner’s morning and evening newsletters.

She said the agency has also extended support to the grieving family through counselling and other psychosocial support.

“In addition to the anguish this family may be feeling from losing all their belongings in a fire, the pain of losing a child is simply unimaginable, and we are committed to helping the family navigate this difficult time, with counselling being a critical part of that support,” she continued.

Additionally, the CPFSA is coordinating with other government agencies to assist the family in replacing essential documents and items lost in the fire, such as birth certificates, school supplies, and clothing.

The agency says this devastating incident underscores the importance of parents and guardians exercising heightened vigilance in child care.

Adams-Thomas urged parents to never leave children unattended without a responsible adult and to eliminate their access to dangerous items, including lighters, matches, and other potential hazards.

“Children are naturally curious, but that curiosity can turn deadly if proper supervision is not in place. This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the responsibilities we bear as caregivers. We must create a safe environment for our children, and ensure they are protected at all times,” she said.