2015 Atlantic Journalism Awards Finalists
Attachments
| Slug/Label | Daycare inspections |
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| Date Aired or Published | Sept 8, 9 and 11, 2015 |
| Media outlet where first aired or published: | Telegraph-Journal |
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Short explanation of the story and how it developed: Enterprise Reporting Daycare inspections by Karissa Donkin and Adam Huras The Telegraph-Journal To the judges for the Atlantic Journalism Award in Enterprise Reporting: Daycare facilities in New Brunswick are licensed and inspected by the provincial government. The results of those inspections are made public -- but only because of the efforts of Telegraph-Journal reporters. When reporter Karissa Donkin asked to see inspection reports for daycares in the city of Saint John, she set off a battle for access to information that would last for two years. The province refused on the grounds that some daycares might be hurt financially if details of their inspections were revealed. The Telegraph-Journal pressed its claim, eventually going through a formal appeal to the access to information commissioner. The raw inspection reports revealed disturbing shortcomings, including the failure of many daycare operators to conduct the required background checks on workers. As the Telegraph-Journal reported on these findings, as well as safety concerns, dirty facilities and workers mistreating children, the government was forced to act. The education minister promised to tighten enforcement and give parents more information. In the ensuing crackdown, two daycare workers who should not have been working with children were fired and 109 other workers were sent home until they could obtain a background check. One facility in the city of Moncton was shut down. The education department now keeps statistics on problems at daycares and the the Liberal government has promised to build a new inspection registry. In the meantime, the Telegraph-Journal created its own searchable online registry, giving parents a better tool to decide who is best qualified to care for our children. Gregory Boyd Editor, The Telegraph-Journal |
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