Parole board decision triggers outcry from family of man allegedly abused in care home

The parents of a man who was under the care of a former care home staff member found guilty of sexual abusing residents are upset.

Family members impacted by the actions of a former care home worker who admitted to sexually abusing residents are in vocal opposition to his unescorted absences from incarceration.

Naomi Hawkins, mother of a former resident under Brent Gabona’s care, said she doesn’t think he should be allowed any absences.

“I don’t care if it’s unescorted or escorted. He shouldn’t even be allowed to be on outings in my opinion,” she said.

In 2024 Brent Gabona was sentenced to six and a half years in prison after he was found guilty of sexually abusing five residents during his employment at Shepherd’s Villa, a care home for adults with disabilities in Hepburn, Saskatchewan. Gabona worked there from 1992 to 2009.

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Al and Naomi Hawkins say their son Derek was under the care of Brent Gabona between 2003 and 2005 at Shepherd’s Villa.

They believe their son was another victim, saying Derek’s health and mental state declined significantly during his time in Gabona’s fulltime care. They saw his behaviour become more destructive. Derek passed away in 2011.

“He ripped the gyprock off of every wall in his room with his bare hands,” said Naomi.

Al continued the description. “And was left locked in his room on a bare mattress with a pile of rubbish around,” he said.

Gabona is currently allowed temporary unescorted absences from the penitentiary to attend church services, with the parole board deeming him at a low risk to re-offend and saying he will not have access to his victim pool.

The Hawkins question how Gabona will be prevented from accessing potential victims during these absences.

“He is not to be trusted as much as he would like everyone to think he should be,” said Al.

The family members say they are submitting victim impact statements to oppose Gabona’s temporary absences.

The Parole Board of Canada told CTV it “cannot expand beyond the decision,” regarding the absences and “the offender’s Case Management Team would be fully aware of the dynamics of the case and responsible for supervision during the absence.”