CLUFF: Lawyer worries for VandenElsen

Stratford Beacon Herald
By Paul Cluff / Staff reporter
June 22nd, 2005

Former Stratford resident Carline VandenElsen is on a hunger strike in Halifax and has not eaten food in 31 days.

Ms. VandenElsen has survived on a liquid diet and vitamins, says Amy Robern, a Stratford lawyer who has represented her in the past and has kept in contact with supporters and the VandenElsen family.

Ms. VandenElsen and husband Larry Finck were convicted earlier this year of offences related to a 67-hour armed standoff with police in Halifax in May 2004.
The couple have appealed the judge’s ruling.

Ms. Robern said she is worried about the physical and mental state of Ms. VandenElsen.
“She is doing very poorly.”

Ms. VandenElsen was in hospital for evaluation but has since been placed back in custody, where she awaits sentencing, said Ms. Robern.

According to a supporters website, Ms. VandenElsen’s “Starving for the Children” hunger strike began May 21 to “alert the public and pressure the government to order an inquiry in the apprehension of her five-month-old daughter on May 21, 2004.”

Ms. Robern said Ms. VandenElsen’s actions are in protest of the Children’s Aid Society of Halifax.

Ms. Robern said the CAS must justify why they wanted to take the newborn from the mother and her husband, Lawrence Finck.
The standoff started when the CAS attempted to take custody of Ms. VandenElsen’s baby, Mona Claire.

After the standoff, the baby was placed in the care of the CAS.

“No one knows why. No reasons have been given. It's pure harassment,” Ms. Robern said.

Supporters of Ms. VandenElsen in Halifax have held a vigil in support and have asked for an inquiry into the actions of the CAS.

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