Darrell Greer
Northern News Services

Rankin Inlet (Mar 29/00) - A bad haircut given to a female client at the Rankin Inlet Group Home was a big mistake that won't happen again, says the home's acting manager.

Andrea Glen says the incident has been blown out of proportion.

"I wasn't here when this happened and I've been taking all the flak for it," says Glen.

"I feel bad that I wasn't here to do anything to stop it and that I wasn't informed until after it happened."

Glen says the incident began when two male and one female client were given haircuts by a staff member at the adult group home.

She says the female client apparently moved around while her hair was being cut and it became uneven.

"It kept getting shorter and shorter until she ended up with a brush cut.

"I feel bad for the poor client, but she didn't say anything either way. She wasn't upset about it.

"It was a mistake and I apologized to the world. But it's hair and it will grow back."

Glen says concern grew because a brush cut had never been given to a female client. She says male clients always get brush cuts because they're easier to maintain and they like the style.

"I've already contacted a local hairdresser and he's agreed to come to the adult group home once a month to do any kind of hair care required.

"Clients' hair will no longer be touched by staff."

Glen adds some group home clients can't tell you what type of hairstyle they prefer. Clients who can communicate, and who do have a preference, are asked.

"Unfortunately, in this case, she said she just wanted a trim and that's what she was supposed to get.

"It ended up being a very short trim."

Glen says the issue of stereotyping the home's clients was raised last week, but says that claim is grossly exaggerated.

"I never really thought of it that way before because they're all individuals.

"Even if they have the same haircut, it doesn't look the same on each of them.

"Anyone who thinks they do obviously hasn't been here to see them."