Decision to send 12-year-old home with 'safety plan' shortly before her death questioned
A coroner is investigating the death of a 12-year-old girl, questioning the efficacy of a 'safety plan' provided by social services. The inquest highlights systemic gaps in information sharing between government agencies.
Why it matters
The case raises critical questions about child protection policies and the necessity of integrated data systems for social services and law enforcement.
Warning: This story discusses details of a suspected suicide.
A coroner has questioned whether it was appropriate to send a 12-year-old New Plymouth girl home with a "safety plan" shortly before her suspected suicide in 2017.
An inquest into the girl's death is being held at the New Plymouth District Court.
Coroner Heather McKenzie asked the Oranga Tamariki supervisor, who managed the social worker dealing with the case, how a child could be responsible for their own safety.
"I'm challenged by what seems a pretty big thing to put on a 12-year-old's shoulders. Do you have any comment on that?"
The supervisor, who cannot be named for legal reasons, said it could be appropriate for a young person of that age.
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