CYF knew of baby girl who died

The Northland toddler who died in the Starship hospital this month was already known to Child, Youth and Family.

A police source confirmed that the 2-year-old girl was the subject of at least one CYF notification, but would not give details.

It is understood she was brought to the attention of the state agency some months before her death on August 8 and no action was taken.

Marion Heeney, northern regional director for the agency, yesterday refused to comment because it might jeopardise the police investigation.

Meanwhile another Northland baby - 17-month-old Tinisha Walker - remains in a critical condition after being flown to the Starship three days after the 2-year-old.

Last week Social Development Minister Paula Bennett met both families and said "protecting our most vulnerable children [was] of the highest priority" to the Government. She is expected to reintroduce the Never Shake A Baby Campaign this week.

Yesterday Ms Bennett declined to comment while the cases were under investigation.

A 34-year-old woman has appeared in the Auckland District Court charged with assault in the case of the dead girl. She was granted name suppression and remanded in custody to appear this month.

Meanwhile, a 39-year-old man is due to reappear in the Whangarei District Court next month charged with assaulting Tinisha. He has interim name suppression.