Foster Baby Dies with 13 Broken Ribs

By Admin | 16th May 2009 | in Looked after Children

Chelsey Essex, whose junkie mother has had three drug-addicted babies, was taken into care five weeks after her birth.

But following the tot’s death of a massive heart attack caused by a stomach infection, a pathologist discovered evidence of the broken ribs.

The “non-accidental” injuries were revealed in an independent report that criticised social workers over their monitoring of the foster parents, named only as Mr and Mrs A.

The review revealed Chelsey’s rib injuries probably happened four weeks before she died “as a result of forceful squeezing by an adult”.

There was also extensive nappy rash and healing tears inside her lips “consistent with a slap or force-feeding”.

The pathologist said the injuries had not contributed to her death.

The review said the decision by authorities in Rotherham, South Yorks, to place Chelsey with the couple was “inappropriate” and added there had been “inadequate level of supervision and review”.

Addiction

Mr and Mrs A had completed a 16-month assessment to become foster carers just 18 months earlier.

Concerns had been raised about the couple’s caring, but they were not investigated, the report added.

Chelsey, born in October 2006, spent the first 34 days of her life in hospital because of her addiction.

She was then discharged and spent the last 51 days of her life with Mr and Mrs A, who were then 40 and 31.

They had a ten-year-old daughter and a son of seven and looked after up to three foster children.

Chelsey died on January 7, 2007 after a heart attack and multiple organ failure.

At Chelsey’s inquest last year Coroner Stanley Hooper recorded a verdict of natural causes.

But he blasted Chesley’s mother Michaela Mullen, 27, for having kids while on heroin.
Mr Hooper said: “This little girl’s life was gravely prejudiced by the behaviour of her mother.”

Michaela, who lives with her partner David Essex, 52, in Rotherham, said yesterday she had been off heroin for more than 12 months.
She said: “I had a drug habit, which was why Chelsey was taken from me. I couldn’t care for her.
“But I’m disgusted at what happened.

A baby ends up with 13 broken ribs and nobody knows how she got them. How can that happen?”
The council refused to name the foster parents.

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