2 June 2005

AMSTERDAM — A leaked report has criticised both doctors and care agencies for failing to take steps to protect three-year-old Savanna.

Savanna appears to have been subjected to regular abuse before she was killed on 20 September 2004. Her body was found shortly after in the boot of a car in Holten.

The child's mother and male friend were arrested on suspicion of her murder.

A report by the health inspectorate (IGZ) into the tragedy was leaked on Thursday.

It accused doctors of "negligence" for allegedly not informing the child abuse agency (AMK) of signals that seemed to indicate the child was being regularly mistreated.

The inspectorate, according to the leaked document, does not plan to take disciplinary measures, but it was severely critical of some of the people involved.
 
It found that doctors had voiced their concerns to the child guardian appointed to ensure Savanna was being properly cared for, but they did not go directly to the AMK.

The doctors of Savanna's mother did not carry out their coordinating role sufficiently, the report charged.

Other people involved in Savanna's case had too little expertise and insight into the family's problems.

In addition, communication between the various care agencies was inadequate and too little had been learned from previous family tragedies, the inspectorate said.

[Copyright Expatica News + ANP 2005]

Subject: Dutch news