Locals say children “have no hope at all” if kids are allowed to be homeless

Hundreds took to social media overnight to express their shock and despair, blaming a broken system for the death of a baby girl at Surfers Paradise.

Teddies and balloons at a tribute to the baby that was found dead on the beach in Surfers Paradise. Photo: Tertius Pickard

A BROKEN system is being largely blamed for the death of a baby girl at Surfers Paradise, as locals call for more reform to child safety.

Hundreds took to social media overnight to express their shock and despair.

“We collectively let that little girl and her brother down, and many others as well,” Karina Waterman said.

“I think this is actually a reflection on all of us as a society.”

AJ Francis said more should have been done for the girl and her sibling.

“Answers need to be given as to why these two babies were left in their care when the police and child safety were aware of them sleeping on a beach in the middle of winter.”

Jodie Devere to the baby that was found dead on the beach in Surfers Paradise. Photo: Tertius Pickard

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Collette Dunn strongly agreed.

“A baby sleeps in a park in the middle of winter and clearly has had a number of opportunities for intervention and that was unable to happen. Disgraceful. If the authorities do not have the ability in this situation to remove a child from care of the parents then children simply have no hope at all,” she wrote.

Justin Zappia said it was “appalling” to think authorities didn’t act.

“No babies or children should be allowed to be homeless,” he said.

Elaine Borg said her heart “sank” when she heard about the little girl’s death.

“We are hearing this way to often. If the family were known to child services can someone explain to me why the children were still with the parents. Aren’t they supposed to keep our children safe?”

A surfers stands at the tribute to the nine-month-old baby found dead on the beach in Surfers Paradise. Photo: Tertius Pickard

However others blamed the parents for the tragedy.

“The system didn’t fail them the parents did!” wrote Jody McAuliffe Kearney.

Others said it was stark reminder to support local charities trying to help the homeless, with Nat Miller urging people to donate

“I hope everyone now stops and thinks about helping Rosies (Friends in the streets) they do a great job and see so much of this and offer food and clothing, blankets backpacks and a friendly face for a chat. Pls (sic) reach out and donate or support in some way,” she said.