Inquiry into handling of alleged neglect case


Families Minister Jennifer Rankine has ordered an inquiry into her department's handling of an alleged neglect case. (ABC News)


The Families and Communities Minister, Jennifer Rankine, has ordered an inquiry into her department's handling of an alleged neglect case.

The recent death of a baby boy has raised questions about an Adelaide Hills family which has been in contact with Families SA for more than a year.

Ms Rankine says a complaint was made against the family in October last year but not acted on.

She says the baby's death appears to be accidental, but she is asking the department to explain its handling of the case.

"I'm asking them the reasons behind decisions in relation to contact with this family," she said.

"Of course this death will be reviewed by the serious injury review committee and as a result of the police investigation, the report will be provided to the Coroner.

"We had one report in October 2007 around this family, around another sibling, and as I said we've had a midwife visiting this family on numerous occasions since the birth of this child and no further notifications were made as a result."