Newborn Removed from Homeless Mother in Social Housing Limbo

A mother who was awaiting public housing says

A mother who was awaiting public housing says she was left in tears for days after child protection authorities arrived at the hospital and took her two-day-old infant into care.

Hannah, whose name has been changed to protect her identity, had been living in temporary accommodation when she gave birth. Despite having secured a spot on the social housing waiting list, she had not yet been assigned a permanent home, a situation she says contributed to the decision to remove her baby.

The removal occurred just 48 hours after delivery, while Hannah was still recovering on the maternity ward. She described the moment as a shock, saying she felt judged rather than supported. "I had nowhere to go, but that didn't mean I wasn't a good mother," she said.

Child safety officials have not commented on the

Child safety officials have not commented on the specifics of the case, but a spokesperson for the department said decisions are always made with the child's best interests in mind. They added that support services are offered to parents when possible.

Hannah's story highlights the broader issue of housing insecurity affecting new families, with advocates calling for better coordination between housing and child protection systems. They argue that removing a newborn should be a last resort, not a default response to homelessness.

Since the removal, Hannah has been working with a caseworker to address the concerns raised. She has been given visitation rights, but says the emotional toll has been immense. "I'm fighting to get my baby back, but I can't help feeling broken," she said.

Her housing application has since been expedited, and

Her housing application has since been expedited, and she is now in a stable rental. Hannah hopes that once she can demonstrate a secure home environment, she will be able to regain custody. "I just want to be the mother my baby deserves," she added.