Foster parents arrested in child abuse investigation: Winnipeg police

Foster parents charged with an assault that left a child in critical condition. Jon Hendricks reports.

The Winnipeg Police Service has arrested two foster parents following the assault of a pair of school-aged children.

The investigation began on Friday when officers were called to a home in north Winnipeg for a report of a child with serious injuries. The child was taken to the hospital in critical condition with “life-altering injuries,” according to police.

Three other children from the same home were also taken to the hospital for assessment. Police allege one of these children, who is in stable condition, also showed signs of assault.

The child abuse unit took over the investigation and determined that that child who was critically injured did not receive immediate medical attention after the attack.

A 25-year-old woman has been charged with aggravated assault, assault and failure to provide the necessaries of life. She is in custody.

A 26-year-old man faces a charge of failure to provide the necessaries of life. He was released on an undertaking.

Police note that the suspects have not been named to protect the identity of the victims.

None of the allegations have been tested in court.

The Winnipeg Police Service noted resources are available to of child abuse with resources like WPS Victim Services, which can be reached at 204-986-6350. Anyone in immediate danger is urged to call 911 and those wishing to speak to an investigator can contact the child abuse unit at 204-986-3296.