The NSW government has announced an independent child protection review after a woman was charged with murdering a four-year-old on the Central Coast. Police found the child's body at a home on Saturday.
Authorities are also investigating whether cannibalism was involved in the alleged murder, according to police. The family of the preschooler was previously known to the department responsible for child protection, officials confirmed.
The woman, who has been remanded in custody, faces murder charges. The independent review will examine how the department handled the family's case and whether systemic failures contributed to the tragedy.
Critics argue the review may be too narrow in scope, failing to address broader issues within the child protection system. The opposition has called for a more comprehensive inquiry into the department's practices.
The case has sparked renewed debate about child safety protocols in NSW, with advocates demanding immediate reforms to prevent similar incidents.