Child safety staff determined to send Elizabeth Struhs home with parents despite doctors’ concerns, inquest hears
Summary
Child safety staff decided to send six-year-old Elizabeth Struhs home to her parents despite some doctors’ concerns about her care. Elizabeth died in 2022 after her parents stopped her insulin treatment; they belonged to a religious group that did not believe in medicine.Key Facts
- In 2019, Elizabeth was hospitalized with a diabetic coma caused by lack of insulin.
- Child safety staff decided it was better for Elizabeth to go home rather than stay in care, despite doctors’ concerns.
- Her parents were part of the Saints, a religious sect that rejects medical treatment, believing in healing through prayer.
- Elizabeth died at home in 2022 after her parents withdrew her insulin.
- All 14 adult members of the Saints, including Elizabeth’s parents, were convicted of manslaughter.
- Doctors warned child safety that Elizabeth’s mother might interfere with treatment.
- Child safety officers relied on their own decision-making tools and did not change their mind even when police questioned their choice.
- A pediatrician involved stated confidence in the child safety approach if the family cooperated with hospital treatment.
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