The case of murdered Melbourne toddler Sanaya Sahib has raised numerous questions, not least of which is whether more could have been done to save the little girl.
That’s precisely the premise of a new inquiry launched by the Victorian government today.
Families and Children Minister Jenny Mikakos said the investigation would look at whether protocols were properly followed by the Department of Health and Human Services and other related agencies in the months prior to Sanaya’s death.
Sanaya’s mother, Sofina Nikat, is currently in custody charged with murdering the toddler, after the 14-month-old’s body was found dumped in Darebin Creek in Melbourne’s north east.
“We want to assist the police and not impede the police in their continued investigation into this matter,” Minister Mikakos said.
“But I do think that it is important that the community gets the assurances that it deserves, that our systems, our services are working as effectively as it should be to make sure that Victorian children are safe.”
Recent media reports suggested that the DHHS had specific concerns about a relative of Sanaya’s, but Minister Mikakos was unable to shed further light on the situation.
“Obviously I can’t get into the details of what contact the family had with the department or other agencies, whether they’re health services or any other services,” she said.
Sofina Nikat had initially led police to believe that her daughter was snatched by a stranger during a violent, broad-daylight attack, but the 22-year-old reportedly confessed to the crime after her arrest on Tuesday morning.
During a file hearing at Melbourne Magistrates Court on Wednesday, police revealed that CCTV footage and phone intercepts will form crucial evidence in their case against Ms Nikat.
More on the chilling security camera vision here.
The 22-year-old did not make an appearance at the hearing, after doctors deemed her mentally unfit.
Ms Nikat's next court date is set for August.
Top Comments
It would help greatly if when parents separate a shared custody arrangement was put in place so that each parent is guaranteed access to their child and safe return of their child until formal parenting orders are put in place. When I seperate do from my partner very time he had my son he said he would not give him back, and we would argue until he got bored of him and I would get him back. The police response, u cannot kidnap your own child so I could do nothing until I had a parenting order. Easier said the done when in an abusive relationship
DHS cannot or will not intervene until something happens. That's just how frustratingly stupid the system is.
If a family is involved with DHHS It is DHHS'S duty of care to that child/ren that anyone in contact with a child/ren has to under go a police check and anyone with any type of criminal background is not allowed near the children or has to be supervised that is a fact. DHS FAILED THERE CARE ONCE AGAIN SO REALITY IS NO CHILD IS SAVE IN DHHS'S CARE. Paul u are right if there is anyone around the child/ren has no criminal background they can't step in until something happens unless there's evidence to show a child/ren is in danger.