Mother of child who died in foster care suing province

Natasha Goforth, the mother of a child who died in foster care last year,is suing the Saskatchewan Social Services Ministry.

Her four-year-old daughter, June Goforth, diedin hospital lastAugustafter being in the care of foster parents Kevin and Tammy Goforth of Regina.

Natasha Goforthandthe parent of two other foster children are alleging misconduct on the part of the provincial government.

The statement of claim alleges thatthe children were abused andthe death of June Goforth was entirely preventable.

The mother of the two other foster children says her children were also placed with Kevin and Tammy Goforth and alleges that her children were also seriously abused in the home.

This second plaintiff also claims that after many complaints to Social Services, her children were finally removed and returned to her.

Sometime after that, June Goforth and her sister were placed in that same foster home, the home of Kevin and Tammy Goforth.

The two have been charged with manslaughter in June Goforth's death and with also with neglecting June's sister.

Well-known Regina lawyer Tony Merchant is representing the two families. He says the ministry didn't do its job, which was to protect the children.

The plaintiffs are seeking damages, but a dollar figure hasn't been given.

A statement of claim contains allegations that have not been proven in court.

A spokesperson for the provincial government declined to comment on the lawsuit, saying it wouldn't do so while the case is before the courts.