Rules of Escape

Chapter 10 - Peter

"Every one has the same rights under the Canadian Charter of Rights, right?" Peter asks Chantelle.

"Yes pretty much, unless a person has compromised their rights and freedoms by their actions," Chantelle says, raising an eyebrow at Peter.  "Where are you going with this?"

"Well, I'm just wondering if people with intellectual disabilities would have the same rights as other people."

"Obviously.  Why wouldn't they? Unless a person has a history of violence, then their rights and freedoms should not be limited or have any stipulations on them."

"What if they have no history of violence, but people don't think they are capable of living on their own?"

"You're referring to the guy you look after who wants to live on his own.  But if the Ministry of Health and Services believes he needs care, then he shouldn't live on his own."

"You said he shouldn't.  That doesn't mean he can't, right?"

"Well it would be easier if a psychologist or some other professional deemed him capable of living on his own and making educated decisions, I would think.  Sometimes people live on their own but have guardians or representatives who act on their behalf.  Usually it's a family member, but it could be a friend or a social worker. "

"So he can't ever act independently?"

"Maybe down the road.  But remember, he's had years in care, don't you think taxpayers would get angry if after all this time, he didn't need care?  I guess some people in care might recover, then they should live on their own, get jobs and pay taxes.  But aren't there systems in place for that kind of situation?  Isn't that the goal of support workers? To try and help people become as independent as possible?"

"I thought so. But in Evan's case, his other caregivers seem reluctant to even discuss the possibility of him living on his own.'

"Maybe there's more to his situation than you know."

"But what if there isn't?  What if somehow he recovered and was no longer on the autism spectrum?"

"What makes you think he's recovered?"

"I'm not sure.  It sounds crazy, but there's a group of them that seem really normal when they are together."

"Define normal."

"Well, like if you were to watch them through a window you would think they were normal.  Working, living as a team."

"But if I was in a room with them, I would think otherwise, because... why?"

"I'm not sure.  For one, they don't talk to each other.  But they seem connected and I feel like... like an outsider when I'm with them."

"Weird."

"No seriously.  How would you help people like this?"

"Do they need help?"

"They obviously want out of care."

"But they can't talk."

"Well most can, it's just hard for them to express what they want to say."

"So you're asking me essentially, if I would represent a group of people, who haven't asked for help, and who, for the most part, can't communicate.  Is that right?"

"You sound like a lawyer.  You're so sexy."

"Stop evading the question, Peter.  I have to go to work."

"Well, yes, then.  I think.  What did you ask me?"

"No. "

"No?  I thought that was your goal - to fight for people who need help?"

"There's no case, Peter.  No harm has been done to them and they haven't asked for legal advice."

"But what if..."

"No what ifs.  The answer's no.  It's totally insane.  There would be so many hurdles and barriers.  So many unknowns.  Unreliable clients.  Non-communicating clients, no less.  No evidence of harm done.  You're trying to make a case where none exists."

"You're right.  Their care is actually good.  They do get to see each other.  I can't imagine how they would get along without the supports they have now."

"Yes, and I wouldn't want to jeopardize what they have."  Chantelle stands up to leave.  "Maybe you just feel bad for Evan.  You're a sensitive guy.  You probably sometimes think that you would hate his life."

"I do think that sometimes, actually."

"Well don't.  It's not fair to Evan when you make your own feelings, wants, needs, whatever, his."

When Chantelle leaves, Peter sits down to finish his coffee and read the newspaper.  The first article that catches his eye, involves Evan.  

Residents in Green Valley District are Left With More Questions Than Answers

Residents of the Green Valley District are distraught after four, nonverbal, autistic adults stole a van and drove away from their group home late Monday night.

Bob Jackson, the first officer at the scene, described the clients in care as being "quite impressed by the flashing lights on the police car, fully cooperative, and likely relieved, to return home safely."  Jackson said he did not believe the clients understood what they had done.  

Surrounding neighbours want to know how people in care, none of whom possess a drivers licence, were able to access a vehicle at all.  Residents are lobbying for tighter regulations of care homes and fear that these clients, without appropriate supervision, could endanger their neighbourhood.  

Police are investigating care homes operated by Maria Martinez in Jonesville.  This is the second incident in which a vehicle has been stolen from one of her care homes by a person in care. Martinez said that measures were taken after the first incident and she is now doing a full internal investigation of all her care homes.  She says she will fully cooperate with RCMP to ensure the public's safety.

Police are asking the public for any information they may have regarding this incident. 

Peter stands up and paces the kitchen in frustration.   Damn, he had been right.  This one-sided news report was exactly why Evan and his friends needed legal help.   They at least needed someone who could help tell their side of the story.  

Peter carefully tears out the newspaper story and leaves it on the kitchen table for Chantelle to read when she gets home.