Taking A Newborn Shapes The Lives Of Mother And Baby
These published accounts record babies being taken from their mothers, the reasons given, the response to requests for support and what happened to the family afterwards.
- Published Entries In This Selection
- 101
Separation Begins At A Time Of Acute Vulnerability
83 published accounts describe removal or separation around birth and the distress experienced by mothers and families.
Hannah A homeless mother living in a tent says Child Safety officers took her two-day-old baby from Redcliffe Hospital while she waited for social housing. 1
Marion McMillan Sent away at 17 to a Salvation Army mother and baby home in 1966, Marion begged staff to let her keep her son, but he was taken for adoption. 2
Alecomm’s Conclusion: The physical and emotional effects of childbirth, attachment and sudden separation belong at the centre of scrutiny. They must not disappear behind the recorded removal reason.
Support Before Removal Must Be Examined
19 published accounts describe unmet support needs, requests for help or support that was not offered.
Hannah A homeless mother living in a tent says Child Safety officers took her two-day-old baby from Redcliffe Hospital while she waited for social housing. 1
Emma A first-time South Australian mother says DCP took her baby the morning after a difficult birth, without ever telling her during pregnancy it had concerns. 3
Alecomm’s Conclusion: The record should show what practical help was available, what the family asked for and what was actually provided before separation. An unmet need should not be silently recast as unwillingness to care for a baby.
What Happened After The Baby Was Taken
74 published accounts describe contact, support or the struggle to reunite after removal.
Hannah A homeless mother living in a tent says Child Safety officers took her two-day-old baby from Redcliffe Hospital while she waited for social housing. 1
Marion McMillan Sent away at 17 to a Salvation Army mother and baby home in 1966, Marion begged staff to let her keep her son, but he was taken for adoption. 2
Alecomm’s Conclusion: Accountability continues after the baby leaves the hospital. It includes contact, recovery, grief support, clear requirements and the time a mother and baby spend apart.