|
December
4, 1989 | September 3, 1991 | April 26, 1991
report |
- Carol Bunko-Ruys
Reports (November 16, 1991)
-
- The Klassen
story
- Breaking
through to the public
What follows is Carol Bunko-Ruys
entire report dated Nov. 26, 1990. The rest of the reports: April 26, 91. December
4, 1989 | September 3, 1991 | November 16, 1991 . See also the Thompson papers At the Preliminary
Hearing of the charges against the natural parents, Bunko sworn
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
| Nancy Jones
CASE SUMMARY
CLIENTS: Michael London Ross
D.O.B. October 18, 1979 Age: 10 years
Kathy Ross D.O.B. March 4,
1982 Age: 8 years
Michelle Ross D.O.B. March
4, 1982 Age: 8 years
STATUS: All children are permanent
wards
PLACEMENT: Marilyn and Lyle
Thompson Box 170 Warman, Saskatchewan Phone: 342-2934
SCHOOL PLACEMENT: Warmen Elementary
Principle - John Reddekopp Program consultant: Kathy Muttart
Ed. Assisitant - Diane Josnoch
REGIONAL WORKER: Liz Newton
CITY POLICE CONTACT: Constable
Brian Dueck
PERIOD OF CONTACT: Note that
contact with the Ross children was very minimal over the summer
months. Thus, this update will focus on involvement from September,
1990 to present.
WRITER: Carol Bunko-Ruys
DATE OF REPORT: November 26,
1990
(NOTE: THIS DOCUMENT IS FOR
CONFIDENTIAL PURPOSES ONLY. DIRECT
ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS TO WRITER.)
INTRODUCTION
As you are aware, writer has
been involved with Michael for approximately one year. Contact
began just prior to his move from the Klassen foster home to
his current youth specialist home. His twin sisters were also
moved to the Thompson home this past spring. Writer became involved
with Kathy in June of this year at that time, Michelle was involved
with Ruth-Anne Bell at MacNeill Clinic. This fall, it was decided
that Michelle would also become involved with writer.
The past three months have
been an extremely stressful time for the Ross children. This
is due to the fact that they have been disclosing a great deal
of information regarding past abuse. The experiences include
several instances of sexual abuse in both their natural family
and previous foster home. To date extended members of both natural
family and foster family have also been implicated. These children
have been victimized by by several adults over most of their
lives.
Further to this, all three
children have disclosed extremely traumatic incidents of being
made to participate in what could be called ritualistic abuse.
Included in these acts are: being made to drink blood, having
sexual encounters with animals, witnessing mutilation of animals
and what has been described as killing a baby. The children recollect
these experiences as having happened while residing with their
birth parents.
Initially the disclosures were
made to the Thompsons. Since then, writer has been involved with
Constable Brian Dueck of the Saskatoon City Police in order to
interview each of the children. To date, each child has participated
in approximately four videotaped interview sessions at the police
station. Writer will not provide further details at this time.
Constable Dueck will be preparing a written document as part
of the ongoing investigation, which will outline the details.
Given the current situation,
it is understandable that the Ross children have had a difficult
time in certain areas. However, it should also be noted that
all three children have continued to make progress in other areas.
ONGOING CONCERNS
All three of the Ross children
have developed inappropriate touching problems. The children
have been sexually active with each other and with several peers
at school. Various interventions have been employed in an
Attempt to assist the children
in stopping this behavior. To date, the children have been unable
to control impulses which have likely escalated during the disclosure
process. At this point in time, the children can benefit from
knowing that caring adults will take charge until such time as
their own control mechanisms are intact. Thus, the most recent
plan has been to eliminate all potential opportunities to be
either victims or perpetrators. This plan includes the use of
one-to-one supervision during free time at school (i.e. recess,
lunchtime, trips to washroom). During weekends and evenings at
home, the children take turns enjoying free time. The other two
are separated and in their rooms working on an area of interest
(i.e. crafts, reading, music). When individual supervision can
be accommodated, all three children are out of their rooms. Given
the fact that the Thompson children are capable of supervising
the Ross children in a variety of activities, they are seldom
isolated. As writer requested, the Thompsons have installed buzzers
on the children's doors to eliminate the nighttime sexual activity
which has been occurring on a regular basis. While this plan
is extremely rigid, it must be noted that the goal is to move
toward a less structured system as the children begin to gain
internal controls. Note the Ross children have on occasion sexually
assaulted the Thompson family's dog. Thus, the children are also
monitored regarding their interaction with "Pansy".
MICHAEL
Continues to experience high
anxiety prior to further disclosure. This is usually accompanied
by inappropriate behaviors (e.g. Lying, loudness, not co-operating,
threats of running away).
Michael has been struggling
with the recent plan and on one occasion stated "I may as
well run away cause there is no one to screw here anymore".
As Michael gains control, he could benefit from participation
in a structured program involving an area of interest (i.e. music
lessons). This re-focus of energy will allow Michael to feel
good about participation in healthy activities similar to others
his own age. Michael has been given permission to use masturbation
as an appropriate way to release sexual urges.
While Michael stated he was
relieved to know his sisters would be leaving the Klassen home,
he has experienced difficulty in sharing his new family. Michael
requires one-to-one outings and attention to know he is still
able to have his needs met.
KATHY
Has developed her role as the
"informer" in the family. Kathy often divulges information
regarding her siblings while she continues to struggle with personal
disclosures. At times, Kathy presents with defiance in order
to shift confrontation. During interview sessions, Kathy has
become silly in an attempt to deal with her discomfort. Kathy
appears to require more time to develop trust in order to complete
this process.
Kathy states that she is afraid
of Michael. Apparently, he uses verbal threats to encourage Kathy
in sexual activity. To date, she is unable to say "no",
requiring further support in this area.
Recently Kathy has been found
to set Michael up for consequences. For example, she wrote "Kathy
is a bitch" on some of her belongings and turned them in
to Marilyn and Lyle. After questioning all three children, Kathy
admitted.
MICHELLE
Initially, Michelle denied
all statements made by Michael and Kathy regarding past abuse.
However, she was able to move out of this denial fairly quickly.
Since starting the disclosure, Michelle has remained consistent
with her statements. During interviews with the police, she appears
relatively comfortable.
There has been a marked difference
in Michelle's behavior since disclosing. She appears more settled
and happier in her dealings with others in the Thompson home.
Michelle arrived at her last
session stating she had not been involved in any further sexual
activity since the recent strategy was applied. She seemed pleased
with herself when sharing this with writer.
PLACEMENTS
The Thompsons have noted progress
in all three of the Ross children. They also state periods of
high stress on themselves and their natural children given the
seriousness of both behaviors and issues the Ross children experience.
The application of the recent intervention strategy seems to
have alleviated some of the tension. However, this family continues
to require a high level of support and assistance to ensure ongoing
progress for the Ross children. That is not to discredit this
family's ability but rather to note the Ross children's extreme
level of need.
The Ross children are able
to verbalize their feelings of connection within the Thompson
family. The children's recent disclosure suggests a strong sense
of trust and safety with Marilyn and Lyle. They are able to both
accept and initiate affection with all members of the family.
The Ross children refer to the Thompson children as "brothers"
and "sisters" while Marilyn and Lyle are "mom
and dad". They also enjoy the variety of outings and socially
enriching experiences they receive (i.e. trips, shopping, out
to dinner).
SCHOOL PLACEMENT
Given the overall situation
with the Ross children, it is remarkable to note their success
in school. The children appear to be bright and handling current
academic demands. Michael and Michelle appear to be strong students.
Kathy seems to experience some difficulty suggesting delays in
certain areas. At this time, it is difficult to assess if such
delays are organic in nature or whether her extremely traumatic
past is responsible for noted delays. However, Kathy may continue
to require modified programming over the next few years of school.
It must be noted that school
personnel have been co-operative and sensitive to the needs of
these children. Monthly meetings are held in order to monitor
issues and progress within the school setting.
SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS
While the Ross children have
experienced a great deal of trauma, they present a high level
of resilience which has allowed them to make progress. Behaviorally,
these children have settled to the point of being able to participate
in several activities when clear limits are provided. During
one-to-one sessions, all three children are able to stay on task
in order to complete exercises provided by writer. They appear
to find the contact useful and look forward to each session.
Given the high level of need
presented by these children, placement of all three together
has been questioned. While the current arrangement creates issues
that may not be so severe if the children were placed separately,
writer notes several benefits. It provides an opportunity to
work with past roles and unhealthy relationships on a day-to-day
basis. As the children continue to heal as a group, the potential
for success in other areas of their lives will increase greatly.
With that in mind, the following recommendations are made:
1) That the writer continues
involvement with the Ross children on a weekly basis for a further
period of three months.
2) That the writer continue
to provide consultation, feedback and support to various systems
involved with the children (i.e. school, Department of Social
Services, Police).
3) As required, writer will
provide support services to members of the Thompson family.
4) To date, writer has not
worked with children who have experienced Ritual Abuse. Thus,
writer will be attending the upcoming conference sponsored by
C.A.R.A.C. this two-day conference will focus on treatment. Others
involved with the Ross children will also be in attendance. Should
writer become aware of locally based personnel experienced in
this area, both ongoing consultation and/or potential referrals
will be explored.
5) Recently, the Ross children
threw away several of their toys, games and other personal items
that they were given by birth parents and the Klassen's. The
items selected held a great number of cues regarding past sexual
abuse experience. Thus, the children no longer wanted the items.
Therefore, it is suggested that each child receive funding to
purchase new toys.
6) Once the children have gained
some level of control over their touching problems, they would
benefit from participation in structured community activities.
At that time, funding will be required to cover fees in such
programs.
7) That above information be
shared with the Thompsons and Brian Dueck to facilitate ongoing
team work regarding the Ross children.
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
Truth suppress'd, whether
by courts or crooks, will find an avenue to be told. Sheila Steele, injusticebusters.com
If you hold the mouth
of Truth, It will burst out its rib-cage. Somali proverb
Truth crushed to earth
will rise again. --William Cullen Bryant
-
- Publisher : Sheila
Steele
- Co-founder: Richard Klassen
Got something
to say about this or any other stories on this site? Go to injusticebustersblog Participate!
- injusticebusters
court advice :
- How
to walk yourself through the justice system
-
- Why
you should dump your preliminary hearing (written July 1998 and still valid)
-
- Sermonette:
Sucked
in, Diegested and spit out by Saskatoon police (You will find links
to many more sermonettes in the sidebar on this page
Another target
of Dueck's malice: Wilf Hathway
Our activism
contributed greatly to the good vibes which happened around the
civil trial.
Index
to the stories on this website
This is not
regularly updated so if you are looking for a particular story
and you have a name or keyword, please use the site search engine(at
the bottom of the page) which IS regularly updated
Index to Saskatoon Police stories
This is a pretty good scrapbook
for the 1998-2002 period.
-
-
- The Klassen/Kvello
civil Trial
-
- September 8, 2003: Trial Begins
- September 09, 2003: Pamela Klassen Shetterly's
Testimony
- September 10, 2003: Anita Klassen
- September 11, 2003: Michelle Ross
- September 12, 2003: Sheila Verway
- September 16, 2003: Michael Ross
- September 18, 2003: Ellen Gunn
- September 19, 2003: Terry Hinz
- September 19, 2003:StarPhoenix editorial,
Terry Hinz
- September 20, 2003: Louis Dupuis
- September 27, 2003: Ron Schindell,
Jay Watson
- October 01, 2003: Case
- against the Klassens weak:
documents
- October 02, 2003: Judge asked to dismiss suit: No evidence of
malicious intent: lawyers
- October 2, 2003: Letter to the editor from former "Believe
the children" advocate
- October 03, 2003: Lawyer details evidence of malice
- October
04, 2003: Judge ponders
request to drop Klassen lawsuit
- October
27, 2003: Judge
Baynton's interim decision: Quinney dropped, the rest proceed
- October 27, 2003: Claim goes forward
- October 29, 2003: Brian Dueck
- October 30, 2003: Dueck
- October 31, 2003: Brian Dueck
- November 01, 2003: Matthew Miazga
- November 04, 2003: Matthew Miazga
- November 05, 2003: Matthew Miazga
- November 06, 2003: Sonja Hansen
-
- Injusticebusters daily
reports Page 1 | Page 2
injusticebusters' daily
reports page one 1 page two
Final
judgment: Dec. 30, 2003 |
Post judgment publicity
- articles
and editorials from Jan 6-9
- Sabo's
apology
- Editorials: StarPhoenix, Leader Post and National
Post
- National
Post front page story, Jan. 10
- Sarah
Gibb's profile of Richard and Kari Klassen |
- Lives ruined by Jason Warick, Feb. 19
- April 15/04: Judge
Baynton warns defendants' lawyers not to delay damages trial
- Dueck
drops his appeal
- Full
transcript of Dueck's examinations for discovery which were part of the read-ins at
the civil trial
-
-
|
Revitalizing the
archives
From 1998 until
2002, injusticebusters was in the throes of identity crisis.
What was it? What were we doing? We grappled with editorial policy
at the same time we were learning the nuts and bolts of building
and posting a website. Once we had a secure, paid site I had
full editorial control, although I talked regularly to Richard
Klassen who was forced to move his family several times and did
not always have access to the internet. Rick's pages: one | two
We posted our
earliest and later actions.
Early versions
of the site can be found on the Wayback Machine.
I began following
other threads to stories of police and prosecutorial misconduct
and the site's character took on another facet: a newsclipping
scrapbook where stories could live longer than they would in
print form. I also began picking up other stories of wrongfully
convicted people. It was an explosion. By 2003 there were over
700 pages. I also had contact with several other people (Don Smith, Leon Walchuk, Monique Turenne, the Vopnis) and kept these stories
going.
It was the
story of the Ross children's treatment at the hands of the Saskatchewan
government which grabbed the attention of The Fifth Estate. The civil claim (The
$10M Lawsuit as we called it) was only mentioned briefly at the
end of their show which aired in November, 2000.
When Richard
Klassen began to make progress in bringing his civil claim to
court, the government and police defendants alleged he was breaking
the rules of court by publishing discovery material on the internet.
- MacNeil
clinic (the
document which started it all)
- The
Thompson Papers
- Carol
Bunko-Ruys reports
This claim
was absolutely false. However, rather than risk being thrown
out of his civil claim, Klassen undertook before Judge Mona Dovall
to sever all ties with the website.
The court fights:
- Les
Perreaux report
- QB271
These pages have links which
lead to other pages from that era. Now that some of the dust has settled,
I have been going back through the material we had posted in
the early days. In the spirit of keeping the scrapbook alive,
I have been reformatting and placing links. The original material
remains intact. I hope the information, which chronicles our
struggle is useful to you.
The identity
crisis is over. We know who we are --Sheila Steele, March
28, 2005
|
|
