Over seven months in 2015, the Child and Youth Advocate (the “Advocate”) received reports regarding the deaths of three girls:
• 13-Year-Old Tina
• 16-Year-Old Shirley
• 19-Year-Old Jazmine
Although these girls had unique life experiences, through our Investigative Review processes, some common themes emerged. Their mothers abused substances and were unable to care for them. The girls experienced early childhood trauma through exposure to violence, addictions and neglect. They had multiple caregivers. Research indicates that early childhood trauma has a profound impact on children, especially on how their brains develop.