Ministry clarifies removal of newborn from Region Six hospital

The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security has clarified reports that a newborn was removed from the New Amsterdam Hospital without the family’s knowledge, emphasising that the family was engaged throughout the process and that all decisions were made to protect the infant’s health and safety.

The Ministry stated that the Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA) was alerted after medical staff observed that both the baby’s mother and maternal grandmother appeared to show signs of developmental delay. As per standard safeguarding procedures, CPA initiated a detailed assessment of the circumstances surrounding the newborn.

Officers conducted home visits to the family’s Port Mourant residence, where they found severely unsanitary conditions. Despite guidance and repeated discussions on the need for a safe environment, the conditions remained unsuitable for caring for a newborn. Ongoing evaluations also revealed that the family relies heavily on neighbours for daily assistance, highlighting their vulnerabilities. The maternal grandmother further informed officers that she is unwell and requires weekly hospital visits.

The CPA said it met with the family several times, clearly outlining the concerns, the steps needed to improve conditions, and the possibility of temporary alternative care if the situation did not improve. Kinship care options were explored, but none of the persons proposed were known caregivers, close relatives, or capable of safely providing care. According to the Ministry, the individuals put forward were either strangers or persons barely known to the family.

Medical advice from the New Amsterdam Hospital indicated that prolonged hospitalisation could expose the infant to infection. With no suitable caregiver identified and the home conditions still unsafe, CPA finalised temporary placement for the baby.

The Ministry noted that both CPA officers and hospital staff encouraged the family to engage with the Whim Probation Office throughout the process, but the family did not comply. On the day of discharge, CPA attempted to contact both the mother and grandmother through multiple channels but was unable to reach them. The Ministry stressed that all reasonable efforts were made to contact the family before the child was discharged.

The newborn is now in the protective care of the CPA, where the child’s safety and development are being prioritised. The Ministry said it remains committed to working with the family to improve their conditions, with the goal of reuniting them when the environment meets required safety standards.

Reaffirming its commitment to professionalism, compassion, and transparency in child welfare matters, the Ministry stressed that its primary responsibility is ensuring that no child is placed in an unsafe environment.