Foster parent jailed for 10 years for death of toddler

1.00pm

Michael Waterhouse was sentenced to 10 years jail today for the manslaughter of his foster child Tamati Pokaia as Child Youth and Family released a report into the case.

The High Court at Hamilton sentenced Michael Waterhouse to 10 years jail, with a six-year non-parole period, for the manslaughter of the three-year-old at a Huntly foster home in April last year.

CYF took Tamati Pokaia into care after he was admitted to Waikato Hospital in February 2000 with serious injuries.

When Tamati died at the hands of Waterhouse in April last year he had been away from his parents for two years and was in his fourth foster home.

The CYF report revealed the department had failed to do a two monthly follow-up on Tamati's placement with Waterhouse but said the placement was justified as checks had "exceeded official requirements".

The report said police checks on Waterhouse had shown no record of previous convictions or violence.

But after Tamati's death it was discovered there was a history of domestic violence in the Waterhouse relationship and Waterhouse family members had raised concerns about his mental health.

CYF said the GP who was contacted during the assessment held information he had not disclosed, that Waterhouse had been involved in alcohol related violence some years ago.

CYF social work general manager Ken Rand said follow-up appointments, particularly with newer caregivers, would be made a priority for social work staff.

"Arrangements were made for visits and there were telephone discussions but because of deferral or cancellation by the Waterhouses, a visit did not eventuate after one made on December 11," Mr Rand said.

He said there would be no formal disciplinary action because the report raised no significant individual practice issues.

CYF review of Tamati Pokaia case