Warning: This story contains distressing content.

We here at the Seniors Discount Club never like to bring our readers down with sad news, but sometimes important stories need to be told – even if they're difficult to read.

This is one of those stories.

An inquest into the death of an 11-week-old baby has concluded that the squalid living conditions he was subjected to likely played a role in his tragic passing.

In November 2018, the infant died while sleeping on a fold-out couch with his mother and two siblings in a home in rural South Australia. A post-mortem examination found that he had succumbed to a respiratory tract infection.

This is the first time the public has been made aware of this infant boy's death. The details only came out recently because the Department of Child Protection (DCP) won a bid to keep them suppressed, despite knowing about the death for four years.

The coroner only agreed to release them because he believed it would help prevent more tragedies like this one from happening again in the future.

An 11-week-old baby died because of the filthy conditions inside his family's home. Credit: Unsplash/Omar Lopez.

During the inquest held to determine the circumstances leading up to the baby's death, it was revealed that there were many contributing factors at play.

It was heard that up until his death, the infant had been living in extremely dirty and cramped conditions, with little access to food or clean water.

The home was infested with cockroaches, and there were baby bottles containing putrid liquid, which appeared to be curdled milk. It was reported that there was also faeces in various parts of the house.

The stink of urine and faeces pervaded every room, and witnesses testified that it was incredibly difficult to breathe inside due to the overwhelming smell.

In addition, detectives investigating the case noted injuries on the baby's body which they believed were caused by him being squashed inside a bed frame. He also had marks stretching from his chin down to his shoulder - likely resulting from poor sleeping arrangements on overcrowded couches or beds.

Rubbish can be seen strewn all around the house in the photos, with several items lying on the ground or sitting atop the stove. Credit: SA Police.

The court also heard from Associate Professor Mike Starr, a paediatrician and infectious diseases physician.

According to the expert, the baby boy's death was not only caused by various infections that had been detected in his lungs after death; his sleeping arrangements were also a major factor in his untimely death.

'I believe [the baby's death] could have been prevented because there were a number of preventable factors,' he explained.

'If he had been put to bed in a cot, without anything in the cot, and it was an appropriate mattress, and the area was clean, and the mother didn't smoke, then this death would not have happened. They're all preventable things.'

Prior to the infant's death, Rachel Mayfield worked as the family's case manager for a non-profit organisation.

In testimony to the court, she claimed that during the one visit she made to the family's house, the mother informed her that she and her other two children had been sleeping on the fold-out couch.

'I guess it's not safe sleeping practice,' she said. 'I can't recall how I felt at the time, but I can comment that [after that visit], I have done safe infant sleep training and I'm more aware of the safety aspects of sleeping.'

Sadly, this information came too late for the infant in question.

Even though the incident in 2018 prompted her to take a one-time training course on safe sleeping practices for infants, Ms Mayfield later admitted she wished she had done so sooner so she could have informed the boy's mother.

'I would have had a conversation with her about safe sleeping practices and provided her with information about it,' she said.

Credit: 7NEWS Australia.​

DCP was then notified and given the case.

The Department of Child Protection received 23 notifications about the household's living conditions and the well-being of the children, even prior to the baby's birth.

However, the department failed to take any meaningful action to improve the situation. In the end, their inaction led to the preventable death of an innocent baby.

The baby's mother was charged with and pleaded guilty to failing to provide adequate food, clothing, and accommodation for the baby and his siblings. She was given a good behaviour bond and the inquest heard she had made significant improvements since then.

The coroner has recommended that the Department of Child Protection conduct a review of its procedures in light of this tragedy to avoid any repeats in the future.

Key Takeaways

• An 11-week-old baby in rural South Australia died after sleeping on a fold-out couch in squalor with his mother and two siblings in 2018.
• A post-mortem examination found the child died of a respiratory tract infection. However, an expert told an inquest into his death that his sleeping environment was also a contributing factor.
• The Department of Child Protection (DCP) received 23 notifications concerning the household's living conditions between 2015 and 2018, and the inquest will investigate the agency's response leading up to the boy's death.

The sudden, unexpected death of a child is something no family should ever have to go through. It's a tragedy that can shatter lives and leave gaping holes in the hearts of those who loved the little one the most.

The details of this story are absolutely heartbreaking. We can only hope that this case will help bring about some much-needed change and that other families in similar situations will get the help they need before it's too late.

 

[Macarj]

How dim is the case worker has to do a course to know what a safe sleeping arrangment is for an 11mth old baby

 

[Penny4]

It doesn't take rocket science to see that the sleeping arrangement was inadequate not only for the baby, but also for his siblings.
How tragic that a case worker had to take a course for safe sleeping. This is totally unacceptable for such a responsible job position.
That little boy had a harrowing death due to being let down not only by his mother, but everybody involved.

 

[adorableagnes]

Warning: This story contains distressing content.

We here at the Seniors Discount Club never like to bring our readers down with sad news, but sometimes important stories need to be told – even if they're difficult to read.

This is one of those stories.

An inquest into the death of an 11-week-old baby has concluded that the squalid living conditions he was subjected to likely played a role in his tragic passing.

In November 2018, the infant died while sleeping on a fold-out couch with his mother and two siblings in a home in rural South Australia. A post-mortem examination found that he had succumbed to a respiratory tract infection.

This is the first time the public has been made aware of this infant boy's death. The details only came out recently because the Department of Child Protection (DCP) won a bid to keep them suppressed, despite knowing about the death for four years.

The coroner only agreed to release them because he believed it would help prevent more tragedies like this one from happening again in the future.

View attachment 10194

An 11-week-old baby died because of the filthy conditions inside his family's home. Credit: Unsplash/Omar Lopez.

During the inquest held to determine the circumstances leading up to the baby's death, it was revealed that there were many contributing factors at play.

It was heard that up until his death, the infant had been living in extremely dirty and cramped conditions, with little access to food or clean water.

The home was infested with cockroaches, and there were baby bottles containing putrid liquid, which appeared to be curdled milk. It was reported that there was also faeces in various parts of the house.

The stink of urine and faeces pervaded every room, and witnesses testified that it was incredibly difficult to breathe inside due to the overwhelming smell.

In addition, detectives investigating the case noted injuries on the baby's body which they believed were caused by him being squashed inside a bed frame. He also had marks stretching from his chin down to his shoulder - likely resulting from poor sleeping arrangements on overcrowded couches or beds.

View attachment 10195

Rubbish can be seen strewn all around the house in the photos, with several items lying on the ground or sitting atop the stove. Credit: SA Police.

The court also heard from Associate Professor Mike Starr, a paediatrician and infectious diseases physician.

According to the expert, the baby boy's death was not only caused by various infections that had been detected in his lungs after death; his sleeping arrangements were also a major factor in his untimely death.

'I believe [the baby's death] could have been prevented because there were a number of preventable factors,' he explained.

'If he had been put to bed in a cot, without anything in the cot, and it was an appropriate mattress, and the area was clean, and the mother didn't smoke, then this death would not have happened. They're all preventable things.'

Prior to the infant's death, Rachel Mayfield worked as the family's case manager for a non-profit organisation.

In testimony to the court, she claimed that during the one visit she made to the family's house, the mother informed her that she and her other two children had been sleeping on the fold-out couch.

'I guess it's not safe sleeping practice,' she said. 'I can't recall how I felt at the time, but I can comment that [after that visit], I have done safe infant sleep training and I'm more aware of the safety aspects of sleeping.'

Sadly, this information came too late for the infant in question.

Even though the incident in 2018 prompted her to take a one-time training course on safe sleeping practices for infants, Ms Mayfield later admitted she wished she had done so sooner so she could have informed the boy's mother.

'I would have had a conversation with her about safe sleeping practices and provided her with information about it,' she said.

Credit: 7NEWS Australia.​

DCP was then notified and given the case.

The Department of Child Protection received 23 notifications about the household's living conditions and the well-being of the children, even prior to the baby's birth.

However, the department failed to take any meaningful action to improve the situation. In the end, their inaction led to the preventable death of an innocent baby.

The baby's mother was charged with and pleaded guilty to failing to provide adequate food, clothing, and accommodation for the baby and his siblings. She was given a good behaviour bond and the inquest heard she had made significant improvements since then.

The coroner has recommended that the Department of Child Protection conduct a review of its procedures in light of this tragedy to avoid any repeats in the future.

Key Takeaways

• An 11-week-old baby in rural South Australia died after sleeping on a fold-out couch in squalor with his mother and two siblings in 2018.
• A post-mortem examination found the child died of a respiratory tract infection. However, an expert told an inquest into his death that his sleeping environment was also a contributing factor.
• The Department of Child Protection (DCP) received 23 notifications concerning the household's living conditions between 2015 and 2018, and the inquest will investigate the agency's response leading up to the boy's death.

The sudden, unexpected death of a child is something no family should ever have to go through. It's a tragedy that can shatter lives and leave gaping holes in the hearts of those who loved the little one the most.

The details of this story are absolutely heartbreaking. We can only hope that this case will help bring about some much-needed change and that other families in similar situations will get the help they need before it's too late.

Why is this news now, it was 4 years ago

 

[Penny4]

Why is this news now, it was 4 years ago

This is the first time the public has been made aware of this infant boy's death. The details only came out recently because the Department of Child Protection (DCP) won a bid to keep them suppressed, despite knowing about the death for four years.

The coroner only agreed to release them because he believed it would help prevent more tragedies like this one from happening again in the future.

 

[Lauren]

Warning: This story contains distressing content.

We here at the Seniors Discount Club never like to bring our readers down with sad news, but sometimes important stories need to be told – even if they're difficult to read.

This is one of those stories.

An inquest into the death of an 11-week-old baby has concluded that the squalid living conditions he was subjected to likely played a role in his tragic passing.

In November 2018, the infant died while sleeping on a fold-out couch with his mother and two siblings in a home in rural South Australia. A post-mortem examination found that he had succumbed to a respiratory tract infection.

This is the first time the public has been made aware of this infant boy's death. The details only came out recently because the Department of Child Protection (DCP) won a bid to keep them suppressed, despite knowing about the death for four years.

The coroner only agreed to release them because he believed it would help prevent more tragedies like this one from happening again in the future.

View attachment 10194

An 11-week-old baby died because of the filthy conditions inside his family's home. Credit: Unsplash/Omar Lopez.

During the inquest held to determine the circumstances leading up to the baby's death, it was revealed that there were many contributing factors at play.

It was heard that up until his death, the infant had been living in extremely dirty and cramped conditions, with little access to food or clean water.

The home was infested with cockroaches, and there were baby bottles containing putrid liquid, which appeared to be curdled milk. It was reported that there was also faeces in various parts of the house.

The stink of urine and faeces pervaded every room, and witnesses testified that it was incredibly difficult to breathe inside due to the overwhelming smell.

In addition, detectives investigating the case noted injuries on the baby's body which they believed were caused by him being squashed inside a bed frame. He also had marks stretching from his chin down to his shoulder - likely resulting from poor sleeping arrangements on overcrowded couches or beds.

View attachment 10195

Rubbish can be seen strewn all around the house in the photos, with several items lying on the ground or sitting atop the stove. Credit: SA Police.

The court also heard from Associate Professor Mike Starr, a paediatrician and infectious diseases physician.

According to the expert, the baby boy's death was not only caused by various infections that had been detected in his lungs after death; his sleeping arrangements were also a major factor in his untimely death.

'I believe [the baby's death] could have been prevented because there were a number of preventable factors,' he explained.

'If he had been put to bed in a cot, without anything in the cot, and it was an appropriate mattress, and the area was clean, and the mother didn't smoke, then this death would not have happened. They're all preventable things.'

Prior to the infant's death, Rachel Mayfield worked as the family's case manager for a non-profit organisation.

In testimony to the court, she claimed that during the one visit she made to the family's house, the mother informed her that she and her other two children had been sleeping on the fold-out couch.

'I guess it's not safe sleeping practice,' she said. 'I can't recall how I felt at the time, but I can comment that [after that visit], I have done safe infant sleep training and I'm more aware of the safety aspects of sleeping.'

Sadly, this information came too late for the infant in question.

Even though the incident in 2018 prompted her to take a one-time training course on safe sleeping practices for infants, Ms Mayfield later admitted she wished she had done so sooner so she could have informed the boy's mother.

'I would have had a conversation with her about safe sleeping practices and provided her with information about it,' she said.

Credit: 7NEWS Australia.​

DCP was then notified and given the case.

The Department of Child Protection received 23 notifications about the household's living conditions and the well-being of the children, even prior to the baby's birth.

However, the department failed to take any meaningful action to improve the situation. In the end, their inaction led to the preventable death of an innocent baby.

The baby's mother was charged with and pleaded guilty to failing to provide adequate food, clothing, and accommodation for the baby and his siblings. She was given a good behaviour bond and the inquest heard she had made significant improvements since then.

The coroner has recommended that the Department of Child Protection conduct a review of its procedures in light of this tragedy to avoid any repeats in the future.

Key Takeaways

• An 11-week-old baby in rural South Australia died after sleeping on a fold-out couch in squalor with his mother and two siblings in 2018.
• A post-mortem examination found the child died of a respiratory tract infection. However, an expert told an inquest into his death that his sleeping environment was also a contributing factor.
• The Department of Child Protection (DCP) received 23 notifications concerning the household's living conditions between 2015 and 2018, and the inquest will investigate the agency's response leading up to the boy's death.

The sudden, unexpected death of a child is something no family should ever have to go through. It's a tragedy that can shatter lives and leave gaping holes in the hearts of those who loved the little one the most.

The details of this story are absolutely heartbreaking. We can only hope that this case will help bring about some much-needed change and that other families in similar situations will get the help they need before it's too late.

DCP has failed its duty of care if after 23 submissions these children were still living in such conditions. Very very sad about this story. The worst part is that there may be many other situations that are similar and being treated the same. Shame on all involved especially the one making excuses in court for her failures.

 

[RTS]

There was no mention whether the woman had help from a partner or anyone else. Sleeping with three children on a foldout lounge would not have given any of them good sleep. Such a sad story. RIP baby boy.

 

[Bernice S]

Warning: This story contains distressing content.

We here at the Seniors Discount Club never like to bring our readers down with sad news, but sometimes important stories need to be told – even if they're difficult to read.

This is one of those stories.

An inquest into the death of an 11-week-old baby has concluded that the squalid living conditions he was subjected to likely played a role in his tragic passing.

In November 2018, the infant died while sleeping on a fold-out couch with his mother and two siblings in a home in rural South Australia. A post-mortem examination found that he had succumbed to a respiratory tract infection.

This is the first time the public has been made aware of this infant boy's death. The details only came out recently because the Department of Child Protection (DCP) won a bid to keep them suppressed, despite knowing about the death for four years.

The coroner only agreed to release them because he believed it would help prevent more tragedies like this one from happening again in the future.

View attachment 10194

An 11-week-old baby died because of the filthy conditions inside his family's home. Credit: Unsplash/Omar Lopez.

During the inquest held to determine the circumstances leading up to the baby's death, it was revealed that there were many contributing factors at play.

It was heard that up until his death, the infant had been living in extremely dirty and cramped conditions, with little access to food or clean water.

The home was infested with cockroaches, and there were baby bottles containing putrid liquid, which appeared to be curdled milk. It was reported that there was also faeces in various parts of the house.

The stink of urine and faeces pervaded every room, and witnesses testified that it was incredibly difficult to breathe inside due to the overwhelming smell.

In addition, detectives investigating the case noted injuries on the baby's body which they believed were caused by him being squashed inside a bed frame. He also had marks stretching from his chin down to his shoulder - likely resulting from poor sleeping arrangements on overcrowded couches or beds.

View attachment 10195

Rubbish can be seen strewn all around the house in the photos, with several items lying on the ground or sitting atop the stove. Credit: SA Police.

The court also heard from Associate Professor Mike Starr, a paediatrician and infectious diseases physician.

According to the expert, the baby boy's death was not only caused by various infections that had been detected in his lungs after death; his sleeping arrangements were also a major factor in his untimely death.

'I believe [the baby's death] could have been prevented because there were a number of preventable factors,' he explained.

'If he had been put to bed in a cot, without anything in the cot, and it was an appropriate mattress, and the area was clean, and the mother didn't smoke, then this death would not have happened. They're all preventable things.'

Prior to the infant's death, Rachel Mayfield worked as the family's case manager for a non-profit organisation.

In testimony to the court, she claimed that during the one visit she made to the family's house, the mother informed her that she and her other two children had been sleeping on the fold-out couch.

'I guess it's not safe sleeping practice,' she said. 'I can't recall how I felt at the time, but I can comment that [after that visit], I have done safe infant sleep training and I'm more aware of the safety aspects of sleeping.'

Sadly, this information came too late for the infant in question.

Even though the incident in 2018 prompted her to take a one-time training course on safe sleeping practices for infants, Ms Mayfield later admitted she wished she had done so sooner so she could have informed the boy's mother.

'I would have had a conversation with her about safe sleeping practices and provided her with information about it,' she said.

Credit: 7NEWS Australia.​

DCP was then notified and given the case.

The Department of Child Protection received 23 notifications about the household's living conditions and the well-being of the children, even prior to the baby's birth.

However, the department failed to take any meaningful action to improve the situation. In the end, their inaction led to the preventable death of an innocent baby.

The baby's mother was charged with and pleaded guilty to failing to provide adequate food, clothing, and accommodation for the baby and his siblings. She was given a good behaviour bond and the inquest heard she had made significant improvements since then.

The coroner has recommended that the Department of Child Protection conduct a review of its procedures in light of this tragedy to avoid any repeats in the future.

Key Takeaways

• An 11-week-old baby in rural South Australia died after sleeping on a fold-out couch in squalor with his mother and two siblings in 2018.
• A post-mortem examination found the child died of a respiratory tract infection. However, an expert told an inquest into his death that his sleeping environment was also a contributing factor.
• The Department of Child Protection (DCP) received 23 notifications concerning the household's living conditions between 2015 and 2018, and the inquest will investigate the agency's response leading up to the boy's death.

The sudden, unexpected death of a child is something no family should ever have to go through. It's a tragedy that can shatter lives and leave gaping holes in the hearts of those who loved the little one the most.

The details of this story are absolutely heartbreaking. We can only hope that this case will help bring about some much-needed change and that other families in similar situations will get the help they need before it's too late.

I know the DCP is overworked and understaffed. We have all heard the excuses. BUT... 23 notifications should not have been ignored. How could it happen that no one had the time to investigate this??? The fact that the DCP have tried to cover this up over the last 4 years shows how incompetent this agency is and the government needs to do something before more innocent lives are lost.

 

[Cheezil]

Sadly it's about poverty as much as anything & no doubt there are many others living in similar situations. Times are really hard for s lot of people & worse now as we are constantly being reminded all the time. People with decent jobs are struggling to survive! Pathetic situation that our previous govt should be accountable for as well!
Yes mother smoked, but obviously there wasn't enough money in the household to buy adequate bedding, food, etc. Where was the baby's father?

 

[JayKay]

Words fail me.... incredibly sad, what a life for an 11 week old baby.
What's the point in giving the mother a good behaviour bond?
What's she going to do?
She needs assistance, she needs to be taught about home management.
If she doesn't have water....a good behaviour bond doesn't suddenly put the water on for her. She may have made attempts to improve her life style, but she needs a hand up big time.
Otherwise, she may lose her other children.

 

[mylittletibbies]

I had a similar experience many years ago. On going to see my little granddaughter , on a prearranged visit, I found my son and daughter in-law still in bed hung over from the previous nights drug binge, my granddaughter crawling around the floor in a shitty nappy, no other clothes on, despite the cold and drug paraphernalia on the coffee table, including a bong full of disgusting black water.When I rang the DCP and mentioned that granddaughter could have drank the bong water and possibly ended with meningitis or something, I was told that was a hypothetical!?! I rang on many occasions but no action was ever taken.
She is now 19 years old with her own drug problems.
So sad.

 

[JayKay]

I had a similar experience many years ago. On going to see my little granddaughter , on a prearranged visit, I found my son and daughter in-law still in bed hung over from the previous nights drug binge, my granddaughter crawling around the floor in a shitty nappy, no other clothes on, despite the cold and drug paraphernalia on the coffee table, including a bong full of disgusting black water.When I rang the DCP and mentioned that granddaughter could have drank the bong water and possibly ended with meningitis or something, I was told that was a hypothetical!?! I rang on many occasions but no action was ever taken.
She is now 19 years old with her own drug problems.
So sad.

Yes, so so sad.
From my own experience with the so-called authorities, they are only good at doing the wrong thing.
My then 8-year old son left his father in the middle of the night to get away from his abusive father.
I had already been forced out of my home because the father convinced the "authorities" it was me who was the abuser.
I know all about sad.

 

[Penny4]

Yes, so so sad.
From my own experience with the so-called authorities, they are only good at doing the wrong thing.
My then 8-year old son left his father in the middle of the night to get away from his abusive father.
I had already been forced out of my home because the father convinced the "authorities" it was me who was the abuser.
I know all about sad.

Bastard!

 

[OldBells]

Warning: This story contains distressing content.

We here at the Seniors Discount Club never like to bring our readers down with sad news, but sometimes important stories need to be told – even if they're difficult to read.

This is one of those stories.

An inquest into the death of an 11-week-old baby has concluded that the squalid living conditions he was subjected to likely played a role in his tragic passing.

In November 2018, the infant died while sleeping on a fold-out couch with his mother and two siblings in a home in rural South Australia. A post-mortem examination found that he had succumbed to a respiratory tract infection.

This is the first time the public has been made aware of this infant boy's death. The details only came out recently because the Department of Child Protection (DCP) won a bid to keep them suppressed, despite knowing about the death for four years.

The coroner only agreed to release them because he believed it would help prevent more tragedies like this one from happening again in the future.

View attachment 10194

An 11-week-old baby died because of the filthy conditions inside his family's home. Credit: Unsplash/Omar Lopez.

During the inquest held to determine the circumstances leading up to the baby's death, it was revealed that there were many contributing factors at play.

It was heard that up until his death, the infant had been living in extremely dirty and cramped conditions, with little access to food or clean water.

The home was infested with cockroaches, and there were baby bottles containing putrid liquid, which appeared to be curdled milk. It was reported that there was also faeces in various parts of the house.

The stink of urine and faeces pervaded every room, and witnesses testified that it was incredibly difficult to breathe inside due to the overwhelming smell.

In addition, detectives investigating the case noted injuries on the baby's body which they believed were caused by him being squashed inside a bed frame. He also had marks stretching from his chin down to his shoulder - likely resulting from poor sleeping arrangements on overcrowded couches or beds.

View attachment 10195

Rubbish can be seen strewn all around the house in the photos, with several items lying on the ground or sitting atop the stove. Credit: SA Police.

The court also heard from Associate Professor Mike Starr, a paediatrician and infectious diseases physician.

According to the expert, the baby boy's death was not only caused by various infections that had been detected in his lungs after death; his sleeping arrangements were also a major factor in his untimely death.

'I believe [the baby's death] could have been prevented because there were a number of preventable factors,' he explained.

'If he had been put to bed in a cot, without anything in the cot, and it was an appropriate mattress, and the area was clean, and the mother didn't smoke, then this death would not have happened. They're all preventable things.'

Prior to the infant's death, Rachel Mayfield worked as the family's case manager for a non-profit organisation.

In testimony to the court, she claimed that during the one visit she made to the family's house, the mother informed her that she and her other two children had been sleeping on the fold-out couch.

'I guess it's not safe sleeping practice,' she said. 'I can't recall how I felt at the time, but I can comment that [after that visit], I have done safe infant sleep training and I'm more aware of the safety aspects of sleeping.'

Sadly, this information came too late for the infant in question.

Even though the incident in 2018 prompted her to take a one-time training course on safe sleeping practices for infants, Ms Mayfield later admitted she wished she had done so sooner so she could have informed the boy's mother.

'I would have had a conversation with her about safe sleeping practices and provided her with information about it,' she said.

Credit: 7NEWS Australia.​

DCP was then notified and given the case.

The Department of Child Protection received 23 notifications about the household's living conditions and the well-being of the children, even prior to the baby's birth.

However, the department failed to take any meaningful action to improve the situation. In the end, their inaction led to the preventable death of an innocent baby.

The baby's mother was charged with and pleaded guilty to failing to provide adequate food, clothing, and accommodation for the baby and his siblings. She was given a good behaviour bond and the inquest heard she had made significant improvements since then.

The coroner has recommended that the Department of Child Protection conduct a review of its procedures in light of this tragedy to avoid any repeats in the future.

Key Takeaways

• An 11-week-old baby in rural South Australia died after sleeping on a fold-out couch in squalor with his mother and two siblings in 2018.
• A post-mortem examination found the child died of a respiratory tract infection. However, an expert told an inquest into his death that his sleeping environment was also a contributing factor.
• The Department of Child Protection (DCP) received 23 notifications concerning the household's living conditions between 2015 and 2018, and the inquest will investigate the agency's response leading up to the boy's death.

The sudden, unexpected death of a child is something no family should ever have to go through. It's a tragedy that can shatter lives and leave gaping holes in the hearts of those who loved the little one the most.

The details of this story are absolutely heartbreaking. We can only hope that this case will help bring about some much-needed change and that other families in similar situations will get the help they need before it's too late.

Regardless of the sleeping arrangements, the place was like a bloody pigsty! What self respecting human lives like that. Regardless of how poor they were ( still paid for pizzas and good dog food) that shouldnt stop her from cleaning the place, its disgusting !!

 

[Ricci]

My son was having a mega tantrum one time and was sent to his room to cool down. He continued yelling at the top of his voice "I want my dinner" and "why won't you feed me" Two days later we had the authorities knocking on our door, someone had heard him and reported us for child abuse! Never did find out who it was, I was mortified. It took everything we had to persuade them that he was safe, loved, well fed and clothed. So how come 23 calls to the authorities does not illicit a response, it makes no sense.

 

[Penny4]

My son was having a mega tantrum one time and was sent to his room to cool down. He continued yelling at the top of his voice "I want my dinner" and "why won't you feed me" Two days later we had the authorities knocking on our door, someone had heard him and reported us for child abuse! Never did find out who it was, I was mortified. It took everything we had to persuade them that he was safe, loved, well fed and clothed. So how come 23 calls to the authorities does not illicit a response, it makes no sense.

That was bizarre! Must have been a jealous mother in the neighbourhood.
Yes ... 23 calls and nothing to show for it, except a harrowing death.

 

[JayKay]

My son was having a mega tantrum one time and was sent to his room to cool down. He continued yelling at the top of his voice "I want my dinner" and "why won't you feed me" Two days later we had the authorities knocking on our door, someone had heard him and reported us for child abuse! Never did find out who it was, I was mortified. It took everything we had to persuade them that he was safe, loved, well fed and clothed. So how come 23 calls to the authorities does not illicit a response, it makes no sense.

I totally understand what lengths you had to go to to "prove" yourselves.
My issue was that my said said it was me who had hurt her, because she was traumatised by her father, and she is still under his control all these years later.
My husband had to be OK, he had a good job, and was a deacon of the Church....no, it couldn't be him.
I'm glad you proved your innocence.
I don't understand the authorities....23 reports and they did nothing.
Similar to the Daniel Valerio case in Victoria in 1994...so many reports, so much not done, and that little boy died.
I'm supposed to have never sent my daughter to school with lunch, but what happened to it?
How come she was taller than me at age 11 and never missed one day of school?
I will never understand it....these "authorities" just out of Uni having done Social Work with no life experience.

 

[Esma Rose]

No sleep for me tonight. This Club of ours is making so much more sense every minute. I'm alone with tissues present. The more I live the more these rotten authorities are just around to ignore urgent cases & make themselves immune to lifting one hand to help. They take their pay as FIGUREHEADS ONLY. 4 years later, I'm blown away. WHO is shielding WHO? They will NEVER get it right as the protecting shield has worked its way into EVERY fiend that thinks they are worth a living. Four years before the whistle is blown???? The MUM? We do not know anything about her & none of us need know, no matter what the circumstances about her impossible position. Never criticize what you do not know. I WILL say from my heart, when a person is DOWN, you put out your hand & pick them UP. 23 phone calls to an authority who COULD have helped. NOW, where's Mum & her two other children @ this very moment????? I need to know Chapter 2. That dear little soul WOULD have been saved, as the Doctor said. He's prematurely @ rest before he's lived when the whole situation could have been avoided. RIP little man in the arms of Our Lord.

 

[POG]

Warning: This story contains distressing content.

We here at the Seniors Discount Club never like to bring our readers down with sad news, but sometimes important stories need to be told – even if they're difficult to read.

This is one of those stories.

An inquest into the death of an 11-week-old baby has concluded that the squalid living conditions he was subjected to likely played a role in his tragic passing.

In November 2018, the infant died while sleeping on a fold-out couch with his mother and two siblings in a home in rural South Australia. A post-mortem examination found that he had succumbed to a respiratory tract infection.

This is the first time the public has been made aware of this infant boy's death. The details only came out recently because the Department of Child Protection (DCP) won a bid to keep them suppressed, despite knowing about the death for four years.

The coroner only agreed to release them because he believed it would help prevent more tragedies like this one from happening again in the future.

View attachment 10194

An 11-week-old baby died because of the filthy conditions inside his family's home. Credit: Unsplash/Omar Lopez.

During the inquest held to determine the circumstances leading up to the baby's death, it was revealed that there were many contributing factors at play.

It was heard that up until his death, the infant had been living in extremely dirty and cramped conditions, with little access to food or clean water.

The home was infested with cockroaches, and there were baby bottles containing putrid liquid, which appeared to be curdled milk. It was reported that there was also faeces in various parts of the house.

The stink of urine and faeces pervaded every room, and witnesses testified that it was incredibly difficult to breathe inside due to the overwhelming smell.

In addition, detectives investigating the case noted injuries on the baby's body which they believed were caused by him being squashed inside a bed frame. He also had marks stretching from his chin down to his shoulder - likely resulting from poor sleeping arrangements on overcrowded couches or beds.

View attachment 10195

Rubbish can be seen strewn all around the house in the photos, with several items lying on the ground or sitting atop the stove. Credit: SA Police.

The court also heard from Associate Professor Mike Starr, a paediatrician and infectious diseases physician.

According to the expert, the baby boy's death was not only caused by various infections that had been detected in his lungs after death; his sleeping arrangements were also a major factor in his untimely death.

'I believe [the baby's death] could have been prevented because there were a number of preventable factors,' he explained.

'If he had been put to bed in a cot, without anything in the cot, and it was an appropriate mattress, and the area was clean, and the mother didn't smoke, then this death would not have happened. They're all preventable things.'

Prior to the infant's death, Rachel Mayfield worked as the family's case manager for a non-profit organisation.

In testimony to the court, she claimed that during the one visit she made to the family's house, the mother informed her that she and her other two children had been sleeping on the fold-out couch.

'I guess it's not safe sleeping practice,' she said. 'I can't recall how I felt at the time, but I can comment that [after that visit], I have done safe infant sleep training and I'm more aware of the safety aspects of sleeping.'

Sadly, this information came too late for the infant in question.

Even though the incident in 2018 prompted her to take a one-time training course on safe sleeping practices for infants, Ms Mayfield later admitted she wished she had done so sooner so she could have informed the boy's mother.

'I would have had a conversation with her about safe sleeping practices and provided her with information about it,' she said.

Credit: 7NEWS Australia.​

DCP was then notified and given the case.

The Department of Child Protection received 23 notifications about the household's living conditions and the well-being of the children, even prior to the baby's birth.

However, the department failed to take any meaningful action to improve the situation. In the end, their inaction led to the preventable death of an innocent baby.

The baby's mother was charged with and pleaded guilty to failing to provide adequate food, clothing, and accommodation for the baby and his siblings. She was given a good behaviour bond and the inquest heard she had made significant improvements since then.

The coroner has recommended that the Department of Child Protection conduct a review of its procedures in light of this tragedy to avoid any repeats in the future.

Key Takeaways

• An 11-week-old baby in rural South Australia died after sleeping on a fold-out couch in squalor with his mother and two siblings in 2018.
• A post-mortem examination found the child died of a respiratory tract infection. However, an expert told an inquest into his death that his sleeping environment was also a contributing factor.
• The Department of Child Protection (DCP) received 23 notifications concerning the household's living conditions between 2015 and 2018, and the inquest will investigate the agency's response leading up to the boy's death.

The sudden, unexpected death of a child is something no family should ever have to go through. It's a tragedy that can shatter lives and leave gaping holes in the hearts of those who loved the little one the most.

The details of this story are absolutely heartbreaking. We can only hope that this case will help bring about some much-needed change and that other families in similar situations will get the help they need before it's too late.

Everyone in the South Australia DCP should be sacked for negligence, every single member of staff failed to carry out their job. What is the point to have a DCP when something like this is allowed to happen?

 

[RobD]

This is a sad story. Although we have some details, we don't have everything. There is so much more to this. For example the mental states of the parents, their intellectual abilities and so forth. These conditions don't exclude liability for neglect, they contribute to it.

Well before I became a parent, I trained as a nurse in a children's hospital in Sydney, where we had a ward exclusively for children at risk; children removed from their parents for neglect or abuse. There were never enough beds. It was heartbreaking.