Her daughter is accused of stabbing a 6-year-old. She says she warned officials

struggling with mental illness, but she believes the justice system is failing her. She believes her daughter needs help, not punishment.

Andrea Hancock’s daughter, Elliott Chorny, has been charged with attempted murder after a six-year-old boy was found suffering from multiple stab wounds in downtown Halifax. Hancock has been vocal about her daughter’s struggles with mental illness, warning authorities and health care providers that Chorny was dangerous and needed help.

Chorny, who is now 19, has battled mental health issues since she was a child. Diagnosed with obsessive compulsive disorder at the age of seven, she struggled with bullying, physical health problems, and the recent death of her biological father. Hancock says Chorny managed her condition with medication and therapy when she was younger, but her health declined as she got older.

The situation escalated when Chorny turned 18 and began refusing to take her medication. Social workers deemed her unsafe to live at home, and she bounced around from shelter to shelter. Despite her mother’s pleas for help, Chorny’s mental health continued to deteriorate.

In the days leading up to the attack on the young boy, Chorny posted concerning messages online about self-harm. Her mother reached out to health care providers and police, warning them of the potential danger. However, Chorny was released from the hospital after a previous suicide attempt, and the tragic incident occurred.

Hancock believes that the justice system is failing her daughter. She is calling for better mental health services and support for individuals like Chorny who are struggling with severe mental illness. She believes that a residential program where people can access ongoing wellness care without being in crisis is necessary.

The premier of Nova Scotia, Tim Houston, has faced criticism for his comments about the incident. Hancock believes that Houston has “dropped the ball” when it comes to mental health and hopes that he will reconsider his stance on the issue.

As Chorny remains in custody awaiting her court date, Hancock continues to advocate for better mental health services and support for individuals like her daughter. She believes that with the right help and support, tragedies like the one that occurred in Halifax can be prevented in the future.