Yesterday I wrote about the tragic circumstances surrounding the death of 19 year old Ashley Smith, who choked to death whilst under the apparent care of the Canadian correctional facilities.
A report has surfaced from 2008.
The report includes historical facts excerpted from document archives and video footage provided by five governmental departments as well as relevant information provided by departmental authorities, experts and other stakeholders. It includes a review of the services provided by the Department of Public Safety, the Department of Social Development, the Department of Health, the Department of Education and the Department of Justice. The report outlines 25 recommendations to government. The Ombudsman and Child and Youth Advocate is committed to reviewing and measuring the progress made with regards to these recommendations by the aforementioned departments and to release publicly a progress report in a year’s time.
Page three of the report features a poem written by Ashley approximately one year before her death.
It reads:
My Life
My life I no longer love
I’d rather be set free above
Get it over with while the time is right
Late some rainy night
Turn black as the sky and as cold as the sea
Say goodbye to Ashley
Miss me but don’t be sad
I’m not sad I’m happy and glad
I’m free, where I want to be
No more caged up Ashley
Wishing I were free
Free like a bird.
Ashley Smith, 18 years old
October 1, 2006
New Brunswick Youth Centre
The full report, which I have not had time to read yet, can be downloaded HERE
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