Aslan Shand
Significant community concern has been raised over the forcible removal of an infant under one from its parents in Byron Shire in the last few weeks.
The alarming footage of the removal by the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) and police was placed on YouTube and has galvanised the community into action and support. A GoFundMe page has raised $15,538 in the last five days.
Responding to questions from The Echo a DCJ spokesperson stated that, ‘The Department of Communities and Justice takes concerns about children’s safety and wellbeing extremely seriously. At times, however, the public’s concern is at odds with our statutory requirement to protect privacy. As a result, DCJ cannot comment on individual child protection matters.’
The Echo cannot comment on the circumstances surrounding the removal of the child.
It is understood that the family are receiving assistance from a range of community and legal services.
*note: due to the legal and other implications associated with matters concerning child safety and wellbeing we are unable to accept comments on this particular post.
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