How Could You? Hall of Shame-New Zealand-12-Year-Old Foster son

This will be an archive of heinous actions by those involved in child welfare, foster care and adoption. We forewarn you that these are deeply disturbing stories that may involve sex abuse, murder, kidnapping and other horrendous actions.

From Christchurch, New Zealand,”the mother of a 12-year-old boy sexually assaulted by another young person at a Christchurch Child Youth and Family (CYF) home is angry the agency did not do more to protect her vulnerable son.

The incident happened in June at Te Oranga, a CYF-run care and protection residence, and allegedly involved an older boy who had a history of sexual offending.

The woman said her son, who has Asperger’s syndrome, told her about the abuse and she informed staff at the home.

“I’m shocked. I’m still angry,” she said.

The abuse happened in the main room of the facility’s most secure unit, which was fitted with cameras and had a large window for staff to monitor the residents.

“Any child is supposed to be watched 24/7,” the mother said.

She understood two staff members were on duty when her son was abused, but neither saw the abuse take place.

“I haven’t been given an answer as to why these kids weren’t being watched.”

Her son had gone into CYF care after she suffered a breakdown.

“I brought him up on my own for the first 10 years with no support from agencies, schools kicking him out. I had an emotional breakdown from stress.”

She told his social worker about 18 months ago that he was vulnerable and would be taken advantage of if he was put into a group home.

“They should have been monitored. It’s supposed to be the safest place in the complex.”

She was frustrated at the lack of information she had received from CYF since the abuse was reported.

“I’ve been shut out pretty much. They haven’t apologised to my boy.”

Ministry of Social Development (MSD) general manager residential and high needs services Nova Salomen said an investigation was still under way “in accordance with our protocol with police”.

“We acknowledge this mother’s distress and have been working with her to address her concerns.”

MSD took the matter “very seriously”, but it was inappropriate for it to comment further, she said.

The other boy allegedly involved in the incident had been moved to another home.

“I’m angry, I’m absolutely devastated that it’s happened,” the victim’s mother said.

“I don’t think [CYF are] taking it … as seriously as I feel that they should. I feel they’re sort whitewashing it and trying to protect their staff more than they’re trying to protect my boy.”

According to CYF’s website, Te Oranga is a state group home for up to 10 young people aged from 10 to 16.

It provides a “safe and secure place where children and young people” go when in care. ”

Mother angry 12-year-old son abused in CYF care[Stuff 7/14/15 by Nicole Mathewson]

REFORM Puzzle Piece