'She was a lost soul': Agencies under microscope at inquest into girl's death
An inquest is underway in New Zealand regarding the 2017 death of a 12-year-old girl. The girl's father is seeking accountability from government agencies, including Oranga Tamariki and the police, for their failure to provide adequate support.
Why it matters
The case highlights systemic failures in child protection services and the potential for legal reform to better support vulnerable youth.
A father has told an inquest into the suspected suicide of a 12-year-old New Plymouth girl in June 2017 she was a "little angel"' and a "fun loving kid" whose life got more and more difficult.
In a statement read by his counsel Quinn Katene-Rosa, the man - who cannot be identified for legal reasons - said he hoped the inquest before Coroner Heather McKenzie would provide answers about government agencies' response to his daughter's living conditions at the time of her death.
"Her life unfortunately sucked. She was a lost soul who did not receive the care and support she needed from the government and agencies and services that were supposed to be there for her. At times it felt to me like no one really cared or, to put it plainly, gave a shit."
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