Fresh abuse claims against caregiver family 'unfounded'

Andrew John Hemara and Jenny-Lee Hemara. Photo / Supplied

New allegations made last month against two Child, Youth and Family caregivers already facing more than 30 abuse charges have been dismissed.

In June, the Herald revealed that Wellsford couple Andrew John Hemara, 53, and Jenny-Lee Hemara, 49, had been charged with abusing four boys, aged from 7 to 12, in their foster care between 2004 and 2010.

It has been alleged they used a wire brush to scrub the boys' bodies and teeth.

Other claims include forcing a boy's hand into fire, chaining boys together, making them sleep outside without blankets and forcing them to run around a track until sick.

The couple's daughter, Tamara Lee Hemara, 21, is also facing charges.

A week later, further allegations of abuse were made against the couple and a member of their extended family who also works as a caregiver for CYF.

But yesterday, the agency said that no further action would be taken in relation to those allegations.

"We have completed a thorough investigation into the wider Hemara family after fresh allegations were made," said the northern regional director of Child, Youth and Family, Grant Bennett.

"We are satisfied that the allegation is unfounded."

Andrew Hemara is facing 17 charges of assault and five of wilful ill-treatment.

Jenny-Lee Hemara faces 10 assault and three wilful ill-treatment charges.

Tamara Hemara faces one charge of assault and two of wilful ill-treatment.

The trio will reappear in the North Shore District Court this month.