Probe launched into Makai’s parents amid welfare concerns

Child welfare authorities launched a probe into the care of alleged criminal neglect victim Makai Wanganeen months before he died, it can be revealed.

Child welfare authorities launched an investigation into Craigmore child Makai Wanganeen and other children in his household nine months ago amid concerns over their care and hygiene, allegations of unnecessary physical discipline and substance abuse by both parents.

The Advertiser can reveal the investigation was launched in mid-October last year following complaints and subsequent interaction by Department for Child Protection workers with the parents of the children, who are aged between seven and 16 years.

Sources said DCP social workers interacted with the family for several weeks before a structured “Safety Plan’’ was finalised with the parents in late December.

A Safety Plan is a document developed in partnership with the family and other relevant authorities to address immediate safety concerns which have been identified during an investigation and assessment by DCP workers.

It is understood there were continued interactions between the family and DCP staff over the ensuing weeks concerning the Safety Plan.

Makai Wanganeen was aged seven when he died in February. Picture: Supplied

The home of Makai’s mother in Craigmore. Picture: Mark Brake

The sources said when DCP was notified that Makai, aged seven, had been admitted to Lyell McEwin Hospital on February 10, the department had enforced a “24 hour intake’’ on Makai to remove him from his home – but he died after being rushed to the Women’s and Children’s Hospital.

Makai died of cardiac arrest prompted by septic shock and other health conditions.

The sources said DCP executives advised then Child Protection Minister Rachel Sanderson of Makai’s death the following day.

An Opposition spokesman confirmed Ms Sanderson’s office was advised of Makai’s death in a text message from a DCP staffer on February 11.

“The matter was raised in the subsequent meeting with the Department for Child Protection,’’ the spokesman said.

The sources said the other children were not removed from their Craigmore house until some weeks after his death. A DCP spokesperson did not respond when asked the date the children were removed.

“The death of any child is a tragedy and the Department for Child Protection is deeply saddened by Makai’s death,’’ the spokesperson said.

Makai Wanganeen. Picture: Supplied

“DCP is fully co-operating with the investigations currently underway and has provided held case files to assist SAPOL and former Police Commissioner Mal Hyde with their inquiries.’’

Major Crime detectives are investigating Makai’s death as a case of possible criminal neglect – a probe being conducted by the same task force established to investigate the death of six year old Munno Para girl Charlie from malnutrition 18 days ago.

Premier Peter Malinauskas has appointed former police commissioner Mal Hyde to conduct a review of government agencies and their interaction with the families of both children leading up to their deaths.

Mr Hyde, who was SA police commissioner between 1997 and 2012, will take over the existing review established by the government last month, following the establishment of Task Force Prime.

On Tuesday morning, Mr Malinauskas said his main concern was for other vulnerable children the state government may not be aware of.

“That’s the thing that worries me most, is there a child out there right now that could be subjected to criminal neglect that the government should have known of?” he said.

He said Makai’s family was known to DCP but the extent of their interactions will be part of Mr Hyde’s review.

Former SA Police Commissioner Mal Hyde has been appointed to take over the Task Force Prime review.

Shane Wanganeen at the gravesite of his son Makai Wanganeen. Picture: Supplied

He said any state government employee who failed to do their job properly would be held to account.

“But I don’t want to discount the possibility that people on the frontline doing this work from the Department of Child Protection within SAPOL, health … these are people working on the frontline in the most complex and difficult circumstances that most South Australians really have no consciousness of,” he said.

In a heartfelt Facebook post on the day of Makai’s funeral in March, his father Shane Wanganeen spoke of his sadness at losing his son.

“From the bottom of my heart, I would like to show my appreciation to all that have helped and support me throughout this tragic event,’’ he said on his page, which has since been deleted.

“Words can’t really express how much (I) feel and what I really want to say to you all.’’

Makai Wanganeen was the first person to be laid to rest at the new Kaurna Repatriation area at the Smithfield cemetery.

“What a historic moment this will be and yet it will be the saddest for me,’’ Mr Wanganeen stated.

The Advertiser can also reveal an arrest warrant has been issued by police for Makai’s mother Krystal Stansborough after she failed to appear in court on July 21 to face two charges of driving while disqualified.