Failures of Authorities Exposed in Tragic Death of Baby CJ

A coroner’s report has revealed significant failures by New Zealand’s child protection services and police in the tragic case of 10-month-old CJ White, who was murdered by his father while under the influence of methamphetamine. The findings, published by Coroner Mary-Anne Borrowdale, highlight a series of missed opportunities and systemic issues that led to the infant’s death on July 10, 2019.

CJ suffered catastrophic head injuries inflicted by his father, David Sinclair, in Hokitika. Medical professionals described the injuries as comparable to those sustained in a high-impact vehicle accident. Following the incident, CJ was rushed to Christchurch Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries the next day.

Laura White, CJ’s mother, had sought help from various agencies, including Oranga Tamariki and the police, expressing her concerns about Sinclair’s drug use and the safety of her child. Despite her persistent efforts, which included multiple visits to authorities and a formal application for custody, her pleas went largely unheeded. The coroner noted that Laura was “bounced from agency to agency” without receiving the necessary support to secure her son’s safety.

Desperate Measures Ignored

Just 12 days after leaving CJ in Sinclair’s care, Laura visited to retrieve her son, only to find Sinclair visibly impaired. She reported that Sinclair had “enlarged pupils and looked like he had been smoking meth.” Laura’s repeated attempts to engage with social services were met with indifference, as both Oranga Tamariki and the police failed to act on her concerns.

The coroner’s report indicated that social workers assigned to CJ’s case were inadequately trained and lacked the necessary experience. At the time of CJ’s death, Oranga Tamariki’s West Coast office was understaffed, with many social workers absent due to illness. The two who visited Sinclair’s home had not completed their training and failed to investigate the strong chemical smell reported during their visit, dismissing it as spilled petrol.

Police Response Criticized

The police response to the White family’s concerns was also scrutinized. When Laura and her father, Hamish White, reported Sinclair’s drug use at the Hokitika Police Station on June 28, 2019, they felt their concerns were not taken seriously. An officer reportedly laughed off Laura’s claims and suggested that there was little that could be done, as Sinclair had rights as a father. This dismissive attitude was compounded when Laura expressed her fear for CJ’s safety.

Laura’s father later attempted to file an anonymous report regarding Sinclair’s drug activity, but this too did not lead to effective action. The coroner expressed disbelief that police records indicated no prior knowledge of Sinclair’s drug use, despite multiple earlier reports from family members.

The failures of both Oranga Tamariki and the police drew attention to the need for systemic changes within child protection services in New Zealand. In her report, Borrowdale stated that the agencies failed to connect the dots regarding CJ’s safety and did not probe sufficiently to assess the risks.

Oranga Tamariki has since acknowledged the findings of the coroner’s report. Chief social worker Nicolette Dickson stated that the agency has made significant changes since CJ’s death, including improvements in training and staffing levels. Nonetheless, challenges remain in fully addressing the staffing shortages that continue to impact child protection efforts.

In a formal apology, Tasman District Commander Superintendent Tracey Thompson of the police expressed condolences to CJ’s family and acknowledged the shortcomings identified in the report. She emphasized the importance of treating reports of family harm seriously and noted that new protocols have been established to enhance collaboration between the police and Oranga Tamariki.

CJ’s murder has sparked widespread calls for reform in New Zealand’s child protection system, with many advocates emphasizing the need for a more robust response to concerns raised by families. The tragic circumstances surrounding CJ’s death serve as a reminder of the critical importance of safeguarding vulnerable children from harm.

For anyone facing similar situations, various support services remain available, including Women’s Refuge and Victim Support. If you or someone you know is in danger, it is crucial to contact the authorities immediately.