Former B.C. youth support worker found guilty of sexually assaulting boy, 14, in government care

WARNING: This article includes details of sexual assault against a child.

A former youth support worker has been found guilty of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old boy in B.C. government care.

Matthew Arlen Porcher, now 23, worked for IDM Services Inc. from the fall of 2021 to April 2022 when he was 20 or 21, according to a B.C. Supreme Court decision made public last week.

IDM operates group homes in the Greater Victoria area for children and teens "who have needs that cannot be addressed in ordinary foster homes" on behalf of the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD), the decision said.

The boy testified that Porcher, who had ambitions of being a police officer, touched his penis, testicles and buttocks while the boy was thought to be sleeping.

The court decision lays out details of a months-long inappropriate relationship between the worker and the boy, in violation of employer policies.

It also reveals that the assault occurred on the same day Porcher was ordered to tell the boy they needed to be separated because of concerns over their relationship.

Minister of Children and Family Development Jodie Wickens was not available for an interview. In a statement, the ministry said, "nothing is more important than the safety and well-being of the children and youth that we care for and serve and this case is deeply upsetting."

"We are working to ensure children, youth and families are receiving the supports they need through the ministry. All ministry staff, partners, and agencies absolutely must do everything in their power to keep children and youth safe."

It added that it will continue to make improvements that "put the safety and wellbeing of children and youth in care at the centre of our work."

IDM did not respond to requests for comment from CBC News. Porcher's lawyer declined to comment.

Porcher's role as a support worker involved making meals, waking up children and teens to encourage them to get to school, taking them to appointments, addressing any problems that might emerge and putting them to bed, court heard.

Porcher worked closely with the boy during his time at the care home. At some point, Porcher began giving the boy massages in his bedroom.

"The accused knew these back massages were against IDM policy. He hid them from other staff members," wrote Justice Gareth Morley.