Mentally-handicapped couple get baby back

A mentally-handicapped couple who had a baby six months ago are being allowed to care for their son at home under strict conditions, the AD reports on Tuesday.


Baby Hendrikus was taken into care as soon as he was born because of concerns about his parents’ capability to look after him. His parents, Henk and Miranda (who do not want their surname in the papers) live together without outside help.
Henkrikus will be under 24-hour supervision while he is with the couple. During the day there is a nurse on hand and in the evening the baby’s bed is under camera surveillance. The images are monitored at a nearby healthcare institution.
It is the first time cameras have been used to enable parents with mental health handicaps to look after their children, the AD says.
A court had earlier ordered the baby to be placed in care until July but a decision by the foster parents to stop forced a rethink. Rather than let the baby get used to a new foster family, the judge decided to let the child go home. The case will be looked at again in three months.

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