A horrific case concerning the death of a young girl named Elizabeth Struhs has sparked calls for tougher laws targeting government failures.
Experts are pointing fingers at the Department of Child Safety for their alleged lack of action, despite clear warning signs.
Dr. Kathy Reeves, a Legal Expert, Speaks Out
Dr. Kathy Reeves from the University of Southern Queensland is urging for “corporate manslaughter” laws.
She argues that the tragic death of Elizabeth, whose health issues and family situation were red flags, shows serious gaps in the system. “We missed critical chances to oversee and intervene,” Dr. Reeves says.
Background on Elizabeth’s Tragic Story
Elizabeth’s ordeal started when her parents, Jason and Kerrie Struhs, failed to provide medical care for her Type 1 diabetes. Both were charged—Jason with a suspended sentence and Kerrie served five months in jail for this negligence.
Unfortunately, in early 2022, Elizabeth died after her parents and their religious group, who opposed modern medicine, reportedly stopped her insulin. Despite earlier hospital visits highlighting her vulnerability, officials seem to have overlooked the serious risks.
Concerns Over What Went Wrong
Dr. Reeves highlights a troubling lack of coordination among government agencies. Questions linger about why Elizabeth wasn’t protected from the influence of a religious group known for rejecting medicine. “Her risks weren’t managed with urgency,” she says.
During a related trial, Crown Prosecutor Caroline Marco mentioned worrying emails found between Elizabeth’s parents and the Department of Child Safety. These communications bring up concerns they knew about the risks she faced but did little to act.
The Department’s Silence Raises More Questions
Amidst these claims, the Department of Child Safety remained tight-lipped, citing ongoing legal proceedings. Nonetheless, they did acknowledge that a Systems and Practice Review should occur under certain tragic circumstances like Elizabeth’s.
Need for Change
Dr. Reeves suggests that Elizabeth’s case might set a precedent for handling children exposed to harmful ideologies. The current focus on physical, emotional, or sexual abuse needs to expand to include dangers from extreme beliefs.
Interestingly, while there are laws for industrial manslaughter, similar rules for government negligence don’t exist. Dr. Reeves thinks it’s time for senior Child Safety officers to be held accountable if they fail to act, possibly facing hefty penalties.
Justice Served
In a recent court ruling, Brendan Stevens and Jason Struhs were found not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter. Twelve other members of their religious group, The Saints, received the same verdict.
Justice Burns, who delivered the judgment, noted the tragic loss of a “vibrant, happy child” who was let down by a harmful belief system that denied her essential care.
This tragic case raises significant questions about the duty of care and accountability within our child safety systems, and whether significant reforms are necessary to protect vulnerable lives like Elizabeth’s in the future.