at any time a child goes missing — especially one known to their system — it is treated with the highest level of seriousness.

Former caseworkers and legal experts note that “assessment” by child welfare does not necessarily mean a child is in immediate danger. Assessments can be triggered by a range of concerns, from reports of neglect or unsafe living conditions to issues related to school attendance or parental behavior. These assessments typically include home visits, interviews with family members, and checks on the child’s physical and emotional well-being. If no imminent risk is found, the case may be closed with or without further recommendations. Whether that protocol was followed appropriately in this case is one of many questions being asked.

The children’s grandmother, who has spoken publicly about the events leading up to the disappearance, has shared her timeline in detail — describing a normal morning filled with familiar routines, including letting the chickens out, children playing in the yard, and quiet moments disrupted only by the absence of Jack and Lily. Her account, emotional and reflective, has sparked widespread discussion and analysis. Some find it consistent and heartfelt. Others point out gaps in timing, raising doubts about how long the children were unaccounted for before anyone noticed they were gone.

The role of the child welfare system is not to be punitive, but rather to support families in crisis and prevent harm before it occurs. However, as several child protection advocates have pointed out, the system is frequently reactive rather than proactive — stepping in only after significant risk or harm has occurred. In this case, the fact that the family had contact with the system but no protective action was ultimately taken will likely become a critical part of the investigation and any policy reviews that follow.

Meanwhile, local residents and community members continue to rally around the family, even as tensions rise and speculation spreads. Search parties have combed nearby forests, trails, and bodies of water. Posters with the children’s faces hang in store windows and on telephone poles. Prayer vigils have been held. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) have said they are pursuing all leads and have not ruled out any scenarios, including abduction, accidental injury, or foul play.

Public frustration has also been directed at the pace and transparency of the investigation. Authorities have held press conferences, but new details have been scarce. Online forums and social media pages devoted to the case have exploded with theories — some helpful, others misleading or accusatory. This digital speculation underscores the emotional intensity and community urgency surrounding the case, but also highlights the dangers of misinformation when official information is limited.

In the wake of this case, provincial politicians are already facing pressure to review child protection procedures and accountability. Nova Scotia’s Minister of Community Services has acknowledged public concern and promised a comprehensive review of how the department handled its earlier involvement with the family. Opposition parties have called for more transparency and increased funding for front-line social workers.

Nationally, the case has reignited discussions about child safety and the responsibilities of welfare agencies. Canada has seen similar cases in the past, where children known to protection services later suffered harm. Each of those cases prompted reviews, recommendations, and in some instances, major overhauls. Whether this latest case will lead to meaningful change remains to be seen, but the growing demand for answers suggests public patience is wearing thin.

As of today, Jack and Lily remain missing. Their photos are still circulating online and on the news, their names still being spoken in homes across the country. The emotional toll on their family is immeasurable. While the authorities continue their investigation, and the Department of Community Services undergoes its internal review, one question looms larger than all others: how did this happen — and could it have been prevented?

Only time, evidence, and an unflinching look at the facts will provide the answers. But for now, a community waits, hopes, and continues to search for two children who were once assessed to be safe, but are now nowhere to be found.