It follows the girl’s mother’s failed bid to take her custody battle directly to the Supreme Court in December last year. But OT then changed its mind over her custody and decided the girl – named in court proceedings as Moana – should be in the care of another Māori family. However, the Smiths refused and, along with a lawyer for Moana, took court action to keep her in their care. Mrs Smith told Stuff the decision to give up their role as foster parents of the girl was extremely difficult. The state has obviously failed her”Mrs Smith told Stuff the couple were “still grieving the loss of our daughter in our home and we miss her terribly”.

Source: Stuff March 20, 2023 04:50 UTC