WARNING: This story details allegations of child abuse.
The trial for two Burlington, Ont., women charged in the death of a 12-year-old boy in their care has heard from several people involved in treating the mental health of the child and his younger brother.
A social worker, therapist, psychiatrist and service co-ordinator recounted Brandy Cooney and Becky Hamber as saying they struggled to care for the boys, who they believed had experienced trauma, and told the court the women were seeking additional support.
One worker also testified she recorded “yellow flags” based on concerns about the children’s care.
The older boy, known in court as L.L., died in December 2022. The identities of L.L. and his younger brother, J.L., are protected under a publication ban.
Crown contends women ‘despised, deprived and abused’ the boys
At the time of L.L.’s death, Cooney and Hamber were in the process of adopting the two Indigenous brothers. The pair have pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder.
Cooney and Hamber have also pleaded not guilty to charges of confinement, ass
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