Dr. Paul Nassif and ex-wife Adrienne Maloof, best known for their roles
on the popular TV show
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, sparked controversy in the world of D-List celebs when their six-year-old
son Christian was hospitalized Monday, November 21, 2012, at Cedars-Sinai
Hospital in L.A. with 3 broken fingers. This hospital visit started an
investigation by Child Protection Services (CPS).
Nassif claims that his son was accidentally injured when he fell off a
carnival ride. It is now alleged that this accident has been supported
by an injury report. According to
TMZ.com, the report states that the child ‘jumped off the steps of ride exiting, fell on his hands.‘
CPS was notified by the medical staff who were treating the child at the
hospital. However, this is not the first time CPS has been involved with
the reality family. In September 2012, Nassif was investigated by the
L.A. County Department of Children & Family Services following allegations of abuse.
In Ontario, child protection is dealt with by the Children’s Aid Society
(CAS), which is governed by the
Child and Family Services Act (CFSA). At Section 1(1) of the
CFSA, it states the paramount purpose of the
Act which is “to promote the best interest, protection and well-being
of children.”
The CAS will commonly work with families in order to assist caregivers
and/or the children with services or programs as well as for children
who may be in need of court protection. Social workers are normally assigned
to a family, who will attempt to solve any issues the family may be experiencing.
If CAS cannot resolve problems within the family in the matter, they may
need to be dealt with in a child protection court proceeding. Section
37(2) of the
CFSA states that CAS has the burden of proving whether a child in is need of
protection. During a proceeding, the court can make several different
orders including:
- placing the child in the care of a parent or another person under the supervision
of the Society for a period of time of at least 3 months and not more
than 12 months; - placing the child in the care of the Society for a period not exceeding
12 months; - placing the child in the care of the Society for a specified period and
then returning the child to a parent or another person for a specified
period; or - making the child a ward of the Crown with or without access to the parents.
Find more information on child protection, including articles and videos,
here.