A BRUISED and malnourished six-year-old boy found confined to a cot in the garage of a Perth house weighed just 12 kilograms when rescued by child protection workers.
Five other youngsters living at the house and all the natural children of a couple, who have been charged with deprivation of liberty, appeared well fed and cared for. All have been taken into care.
Charlene Natalie Kerr, 33 and Troy Iain Kerr, 31, described as the boy’s guardians, faced court yesterday after the child was found on Friday and both were refused bail.
"His parentage is unclear although we have been informed he was not the parents’ biological child," Department for Child Protection (DCP) director-general Terry Murphy said.
DCP workers took just an hour to get to the house in Perth‘s northern suburbs after they were tipped off by a member of the public about 11am (WDT) on Friday.
Mr Murphy said the boy was found confined to a cot, with bruising to his body, severely malnourished and underweight for his age.
"He was taken into care and is currently at Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH).
"I understand PMH have confirmed that he weighed 12 kilos."
"There were five other children in the home, aged up to 15 years, and they were all the parents’ natural children," Mr Murphy said.
"The other children appeared to be well fed and cared for.
"As investigations are continuing all five were taken into care and are currently being looked after by departmental carers."
The couple appeared in the East Perth Magistrates Court yesterday, both charged with deprivation of liberty.
Mr Kerr was also charged with assault occasioning bodily harm.
It is understood they were refused bail after failing to raise a surety.
DCP had previous contact with the couple in late 2005 and early- mid 2006 after conflict was reported between the parents.
Mr Murphy said the pair were referred to domestic violence services and family supports but there was no previous concerns about the safety of the boy.
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