Update 1 – Second Arrest - Mental Health Worker Charged with Assault at a Welland School Facility
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Detectives with the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) Child Abuse Unit (CAU) continued an investigation into allegations of an assault that took place at the Mountainview Centre for Innovative Learning located at 1604 Merrittville Highway in Welland. The investigation focused on allegations that mental health counsellors were using restraint techniques, that were outside of their scope of training, on a child at the school.
As a result of the investigation a second arrest has been made. On Friday, May 15, 2026, CAU detectives arrested and charged 26-year-old Natasha BENNETT of Welland with a single count of assault. BENNETT was released with future court date.
Original Media Release:
In April of 2026, detectives with the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) Child Abuse Unit (CAU) began an investigation into allegations of an assault that took place at the Mountainview Centre for Innovative Learning located at 1604 Merritville Highway in Welland. This Pathstones school utilizes a teacher and a mental health counsellor in each classroom to provide specialized programs for children with various mental health and learning challenges
Detectives were contacted after concerns arose that a mental health counsellor was using restraint techniques, that were outside of their scope of training, on a child at the school. During the investigation, it was determined that the actions taken by the counsellor amounted to excessive use of force and assault.
On Thursday, May 14, 2026, CAU detectives arrested and charged 22-year-old Madison PORKOLAB of Grimsby a single count of Assault. PORKOLAB was released with a future court date.