Former foster carers heartbroken after death of baby girl in Ballarat
The former foster carers of an eight-month-old baby girl who died days after being returned to her biological parents say the entire child protection system needs to be demolished and rebuilt from the ground up.
Former foster parents Rebecca and Michael are devastated after their eight-month-old foster daughter, Mia, passed away just days after being returned to her biological parents. The couple, whose identities are protected for legal reasons, had been caring for Mia after she entered their home as a newborn. Despite initial concerns over injuries she had sustained, Mia's condition improved, and she became a joyful baby.
However, the couple was frustrated by constant delays in court proceedings aimed at determining her future living arrangements. The court ultimately decided to transfer Mia back to her biological parents, with a third party assessment ordered to ensure their suitability. Tragically, Mia was found unresponsive three days after returning home in Ballarat and died on September 22 in a Melbourne hospital.
The Department for Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) expressed its condolences, noting that the death of any child is tragic. Foster carers argue that they possess more insight into a child's needs than clinical staff, and they believe the system needs reform. The Children and Family Service CEO echoed these sentiments, calling for a thorough examination of what went wrong and how to prevent future tragedies.
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