By NAOMI LARKIN and NZPA
A woman who killed her toddler and has now given birth again should seriously consider not having any more babies, says the Commissioner for Children, Roger McClay.
The Department of Child, Youth and Family must also take responsibility and give "absolute assurances" that Sharon Moke's child is safe, he says.
His comments are backed by Parentline and the police, who want firm guidelines set down for the care of the child and the mother.
Ms Moke, of Wellington was convicted of infanticide two years ago after killing her 17-month-old baby, Anaru Te Wheke Donny Te Moananui Rogers.
On January 28, 1997, Anaru arrived at Wellington Hospital's intensive care unit with brain haemorrhaging, swelling, severe bruising and untreated broken bones. A scan found no brain activity and he was pronounced dead the next day.
Ms Moke, then aged 27, was sentenced to two years' supervision.
She is understood to have given birth to another baby, her fifth, last month. An aunt in Rotorua is believed to be caring for the child.
Mr McClay said yesterday that if Ms Moke had placed the baby in the care of a relative, that probably indicated that she knew she should not be looking after children.
"The baby has a right to be kept safe. The mother appears to realise her problem. One baby too many has given its life.
"If the mother cannot, and will not, be able to recover and be able to look after children she should be ensuring she has no more."
He said he was seeking a guarantee from the department that the child was safe.
Hamilton Parentline director Maxine Hodgson said a care plan involving the mother, family and the department was needed immediately.
Detective Sergeant Brent Tomlinson, the officer in charge of the investigation into Anaru's death, said he would be concerned if Ms Moke was not getting appropriate assistance with the baby and if she was left to look after it by herself.
At the time of sentencing, Ms Moke was being treated for a serious depressive condition in a secure facility at Porirua Hospital.
Warning to mum who killed toddler
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.