23 Jul 2020

Severely beaten Flaxmere boy discharged after rehab

10:57 am on 23 July 2020

A Flaxmere boy severely injured in his home six months ago ago has been discharged from rehabilitation.

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Starship Hospital in Auckland. Photo: RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly

The four-year-old was in the care of his father and stepmother at the time his injuries occurred, but police have yet to lay any charges.

Police said they were still waiting on expert medical reports on his injuries, which were discovered on 29 January.

The boy was now understood to be living with his grandmother in Auckland.

He had been discharged from a rehabilitation centre, where he had been since April, Oranga Tamariki said.

He had previously spent nearly three months at Starship Hospital in Auckland.

"The young boy has now been discharged from a rehabilitation centre and we are working with his extended family to determine the best care arrangements for his future," Oranga Tamariki deputy chief executive for Children and Families (South) Alison McDonald said.

"Oranga Tamariki has worked with health professionals during his recovery and rehabilitation, and will continue to work alongside his extended family to help keep him safe and well."

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