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This article contains information about alleged child abuse and serious injury. Please consider your well-being before reading.
WINNIPEG – NATIONAL CRIME Report – The Winnipeg Police Service has charged two foster parents following a child abuse investigation stemming from a call on the evening of September 19, 2025.
Officers from Winnipeg Police Service’s North District General Patrol responded to a residence in the city’s north end after reports that a child had suffered serious injuries.
The child was transported to hospital in critical condition with life-altering injuries. Three other children in the home were also taken to hospital for assessment; one child showed signs of assault and was listed in stable condition.
Police say the Child Abuse Unit determined that between September 17–18, the critically injured child did not receive immediate medical attention.
Charges Laid
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A 25-year-old woman is charged with:
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Aggravated Assault
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Assault
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Fail to Provide the Necessaries of Life
She remains in custody.
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A 26-year-old man is charged with:
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Fail to Provide the Necessaries of Life
He has been released on an Undertaking with conditions.
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Police have withheld the identities of the accused to protect the youth victims.
What the Charges Mean (Criminal Code of Canada – General Guidance)
Aggravated Assault (s. 268):
Occurs when an assault wounds, maims, disfigures, or endangers the life of a person. It is an indictable offence with a maximum penalty of 14 years’ imprisonment. Courts treat assaults against children as aggravating due to victims’ vulnerability and the accused’s position of trust or authority.
Assault (s. 265/266):
Involves the intentional application of force without consent, or threats/attempts to apply force, or accosting while openly wearing a weapon. It is a hybrid offence (can proceed summarily or by indictment) with a maximum penalty of up to 5 years’ imprisonment if prosecuted by indictment (lower maximums on summary conviction). Sentences can include probation, fines, and no-contact or weapons-related conditions.
Fail to Provide the Necessaries of Life (s. 215):
Applies to those legally responsible for a child or dependent person who fail to provide necessaries—such as adequate food, shelter, supervision, medical care—and whose failure endangers life or causes permanent injury or is likely to do so. It is a hybrid offence with a maximum of 5 years’ imprisonment on indictment (up to 18 months on summary conviction). When a child is involved, courts commonly regard the offence as aggravated by breach of trust.
Important: Actual penalties, if any, depend on the facts, prior record, aggravating/mitigating factors, and judicial discretion. All accused are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Why This Matters in Northwestern Ontario
While this case is in Winnipeg, it raises national concerns about child protection, foster-care oversight, and timely access to emergency medical care. In Thunder Bay and across Northwestern Ontario, agencies and caregivers are reminded of the legal duty to seek prompt medical attention and to maintain safe, supervised environments—especially for children in care.
If you suspect a child is in danger, contact local police or child protection services immediately.
