The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security has issued a clarification regarding the removal of a newborn from New Amsterdam Hospital amid concerns from the family. The Ministry emphasizes that the family was engaged throughout the process, and all actions taken were aimed at safeguarding the infant’s health and safety.
The Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA) initiated an assessment after medical staff observed signs of developmental delays in both the baby’s mother and maternal grandmother. In accordance with standard safeguarding procedures, the CPA began a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the newborn.
During home visits to the family’s residence in Port Mourant, officers discovered severely unsanitary living conditions. Despite providing guidance and discussing the need for a safe environment multiple times, the conditions did not improve. Ongoing evaluations indicated that the family heavily depends on neighbors for daily support, underscoring their vulnerabilities. Additionally, the maternal grandmother reported her own health issues, requiring weekly hospital visits.
The CPA stated that it met with the family on several occasions to express concerns, outline necessary steps for improvement, and discuss the potential for temporary alternative care if conditions did not change. Although kinship care options were considered, the proposed individuals were either strangers or not capable of providing safe care for the child.
Medical staff from New Amsterdam Hospital advised that prolonged hospitalization could put the infant at risk of infection. With no suitable caregiver identified and unsafe home conditions persisting, the CPA made the decision for temporary placement of the baby.
The Ministry noted that both CPA officers and hospital staff encouraged the family to engage with the Whim Probation Office during the process, but the family did not comply. On the day of discharge, attempts to contact the mother and grandmother were made through multiple channels but proved unsuccessful. The Ministry emphasized that all reasonable efforts were made to reach the family before the child’s discharge.
The newborn is now in the protective care of the CPA, with a focus on prioritizing the child’s safety and development. The Ministry remains committed to collaborating with the family to improve their living conditions, aiming for reunification when a safe environment is established.
Reaffirming its dedication to professionalism, compassion, and transparency in matters of child welfare, the Ministry reiterated that its primary responsibility is ensuring no child is placed in an unsafe environment.
