The 11-year-old boy who was Tasered by Prince George RCMP was in the care of the B.C. Ministry of Children and Families when the incident occured on Thursday.
According to a ministry spokesman, the boy was living by himself in a staffed residential resource with three staff present at all times. The living conditions were similar to a group home -as opposed to a foster home - the spokesman said.
According to information released by the RCMP, the boy allegedly stabbed a 37-year-old man, then fled to a neighbouring home. He was Tasered after being convinced to leave the home by RCMP.
According to ministry policy, caregivers have the right to use physical restraint on a child to protect themselves, children in care or others from physical harm. Caregivers are required to be trained in the proper and safe use of physical restraint.
Staff are also required to be trained in how to de-escalate situations and physical restraint is to be used as, "the last resort on the continuum of intervention."
In any situation where physical restraint is used is required to be reported to the program manager. The program manager may report the incident to the child's social worker or parents, if needed.
In a case where a child is lost or runs away, the caregiver is required to immediately notify the child's social worker or a 24-hour social worker if after business hours.
Staff may also call police and co-operate fully with the search for the child.
Group home operators can set additional policy setting requirements for their staff.
