Baby abused to death by parents was not referred to child protection or social services for abuse concerns: MSF
SINGAPORE — Trevor Neo, the eight-month-old baby who died after being abused by his parents, was not referred to the Ministry of Social and Family Development’s (MSF) Protective Service or any social service agency for abuse concerns before his death.The infant had been admitted to the KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH) from Jan 18 to 23, 2024, for vomiting, drinking less milk and concerns about being shaken by his mother. His parents had agreed to follow a care plan drawn up by the hospital after Trevor was discharged. KKH’s medical board chairman Eileen Lew told The Straits Times on Oct 21 that the hospital had continued to follow up on Trevor’s case after his discharge, including facilitating access to services for parenting and child development support for his parents.She added: “With no outstanding concerns, the case was eventually closed.”Lew did not provide details of the care plan or indicate how long KKH followed up with the case before closing it.MSF and Lew were responding to ST’s questions regarding Trevor’s case after his parents were sentenced on Oct 21.