Balikis Adeoye, a 37-year-old mother, sought help from social services at Newham Council to find a foster placement for her two-year-old daughter, Mazeedat, so she could be with her son during his heart surgery. Balikis had no family or support network and felt that foster care was her only option. However, social workers did not arrange a placement for Mazeedat and instead advised Balikis to find support on her own. Balikis eventually found a carer, who she did not know, to look after Mazeedat while she was in hospital. Tragically, Mazeedat drowned in a garden bin while under the care of this individual.
Balikis and Mazeedat had been referred to Newham Council because they were homeless after Balikis separated from her British partner and was unable to access public funds as an ‘overstayer’. Balikis had requested help from social services to find a foster placement for Mazeedat when her son needed surgery, but the council did not assist with this. Left with no options, Balikis left her daughter with an acquaintance while she was at the hospital with her son. Despite her efforts to secure state help for childcare, local child services failed to support Mazeedat, ultimately leading to her tragic death.
The coroner found that if a foster placement had been arranged for Mazeedat, her death could have been avoided. The inquest revealed a culture of hostility towards families in the council’s No Recourse to Public Funds team, where staff felt capable of ‘bullying’ clients. Balikis reported feeling dehumanized by the treatment she received from social services. Coroner Graeme Irvine acknowledged the significant efforts Balikis made to seek help for her children and highlighted the failure of local child services to provide the necessary support, which ultimately resulted in Mazeedat’s death.
Balikis expressed her profound grief and heartbreak over the loss of her daughter, emphasizing the precious time they had together. She hopes that by sharing her story, other families facing similar situations will not have to endure the same pain she continues to live with. Newham Council expressed their devastation over Mazeedat’s death and stated that they have since overhauled their social work practice in response to the tragic accident. The council has been rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted, and they will carefully consider the findings of the inquest and provide further information as requested by the coroner.
The tragedy of Mazeedat’s death has raised important questions about the support and assistance provided by social services to vulnerable families. Balikis’ case sheds light on the challenges faced by individuals with no recourse to public funds and the impact it can have on accessing essential services. The inquest findings underscore the need for improved support systems for families in crisis situations and highlight the importance of accountability and oversight in ensuring the safety and well-being of children in care. By speaking out about her experience, Balikis hopes to prevent other families from enduring the same tragic loss she has faced.
