“A former youth worker with Alberta Child and Family Services, Beverly Allard, has been sentenced to two years for sexual exploitation, following a years-long sexual relationship with a teenage boy that started in 1990.
The trial revealed that Allard, 31 at the time, began having a sexual relationship with the then-14-year-old boy, identified as A.B. by CBC News due to a publication ban. Despite Court of King’s Bench Justice Lisa Silver acknowledging Allard’s remorse and personal growth, she still handed down a jail sentence.
First met
Allard and A.B. first crossed paths when he was in a secure residential facility for troubled teens under the care of Alberta Child and Family Services. Allard was his caseworker, and their relationship took a turn one night in 1990 when A.B. broke out of the facility and initiated their first sexual encounter.
‘More than poor judgment’
The victim, now 47, testified during the trial, explaining how he developed feelings for Allard due to the attention she gave him. Despite the tumultuous circumstances of their relationship, Silver emphasized that the exploitation was more than just poor judgment on Allard’s part.
‘What I did was wrong’
Allard provided a 26-page confession to police in 1998, admitting to her actions and expressing remorse. The case was dormant for 24 years until Silver considered Allard’s early confession and lack of risk of re-offense in her sentencing decision.
In the end, this complex and emotional case forces us to confront the depths of human behavior and the consequences of our actions. It’s a stark reminder of the impact certain relationships can have and the importance of taking responsibility for one’s past mistakes. As we grapple with the aftermath of this sentencing, we are left to ponder the complexities of forgiveness, justice, and personal growth in the face of past transgressions.”
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