Oranga Tamariki has confirmed the child was not in its custody or care. Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver
Oranga Tamariki is investigating whether it could have done more to prevent the death of a Lower Hutt toddler last week.
Ruthless-Empire Ahipene-Wall, who was nearly two, died from violent injuries 10 days ago.
A homicide investigation is under way after a post-mortem showed he died from blunt force trauma. Police are in contact with three family members who were people of interest in the investigation.
Last week Oranga Tamariki refused to reveal whether it was involved with the family, but chief executive Chappie Te Kani has now confirmed the child was not in its custody or care.
"I can confirm that Baby Ru was not in Oranga Tamariki custody or care. However, we are actively working alongside our partner agencies to piece together what, if any, support Baby Ru and his whānau were receiving at the time of his death, and if interventions could have occurred," Te Kani said in a statement.
He said the agency was reviewing every interaction with and decision about Baby Ru and his whānau.
"We are in the process of thoroughly reviewing every interaction and decision that was made in relation to Baby Ru and his whānau, with the oversight of our chief social worker Peter Whitcombe. We must protect everyone's privacy and we are currently not able to go into details."
Te Kani said Oranga Tamariki was working proactively to support the police investigation.
Ruthless-Empire was taken to Hutt Hospital about 10.30am on 22 October in an unresponsive state. Efforts to revive him were unsuccessful. Police believe his injuries occurred up to 12 hours beforehand.
