I am a father who has been trying to maintain a relationship with my son — but Kinark Child and Family Services (Peterborough Access Centre) is standing in the way by silencing me, violating my rights, and traumatizing my child.

On July 5, 2025, during a supervised visit with my 7-year-old son Marley, I made a simple and honest slip: I accidentally called him by his younger brother’s name — Mason. When Marley asked why, I told him the truth: “That’s your brother’s name.”

That was enough for Kinark staff to:

Terminate the visit after just 15 minutes
Order me to leave the centre
Call the police to remove me — in front of my son

Let me be clear:

📌 There is no court order that says I can’t talk about my family

📌 My son has asked about his sibling multiple times

📌 I’ve never been aggressive or caused harm — only love and support

Kinark Peterborough has been enforcing a completely unauthorized and discriminatory restriction that prevents me from talking to my son about his own family — a rule imposed solely because the other parent doesn’t want it discussed. There is no legal basis for this restriction.

This is not just about me. This is happening to other parents too — especially Black fathers, who are often treated with suspicion and control by default in the family system.

This is about the right of every child to know their family, the right of parents to love, guide, and speak honestly with their children and the need to hold publicly funded services accountable when they overstep their role.

⚖️ 

What I’m Asking For:

• An immediate investigation into Kinark Peterborough’s access protocols
• A ban on staff enforcing restrictions not grounded in court orders or safety assessments
• Mandatory training for Kinark staff on parental rights, trauma-informed care, and anti-Black racism
• Accountability for those who called the police on a peaceful father for simply answering his child’s question

Enough is enough. No parent should be punished for telling the truth. No child should be shielded from love. Help me demand dignity, fairness, and change.

Please sign this petition to stand up for parental rights and family justice.

 

#LetDadsParent #Kinark #FathersRights #BlackFathersMatter #OntarioFamilyLaw #HumanRights #EndDiscriminationInAccess