Former Foster Carers Mourn Baby Girl Who Died Days After Returning to Her Biological Parents

Ballarat, Australia — September 25, 2026

The former foster carers of an eight-month-old baby girl in Ballarat, Australia, are mourning her death after she became unresponsive just three days after returning to her biological parents.

The baby, identified by ABC News as Mia, had been placed with foster carers Rebecca and Michael when she was three weeks old. The couple said she had previously suffered internal injuries before entering their care.

Six Months With Her Foster Family

Rebecca and Michael cared for Mia for approximately six months. During that time, she also had supervised visits with her biological parents under an interim child-protection order.

The foster carers told ABC News that Mia gradually became a happy and affectionate baby while living with them.

Michael said she would smile when someone entered the room and described her as a child who had made significant progress during the months she spent with them.

Baby Found Unresponsive

Mia was returned to her biological parents after both parents completed parenting programs ordered as part of the child-protection process.

Three days later, emergency services were called to a home in Ballarat after the eight-month-old was found unresponsive on September 20.

Paramedics performed CPR before taking her to a local hospital. She was later transferred to a hospital in Melbourne, where she died on September 22.

Police Investigation Continues

Victoria Police confirmed that the Homicide Squad is investigating the baby’s death. Police have not publicly determined the exact circumstances surrounding what happened.

A 23-year-old man was interviewed by police and released while inquiries continue.

Authorities have not released the baby’s full identity, and the investigation remains ongoing.

Former Carers Say They Were Unable to Say Goodbye

Rebecca and Michael said they learned that Mia had been taken to hospital through a friend who had seen a media report. They were preparing to travel to the hospital when they learned that she had died.

Michael said the couple had hoped to be able to see Mia and comfort her during her final hours.

The case has also prompted discussion about how child-protection decisions are made and how foster carers can be involved when a child’s living arrangements change.

Authorities Await Further Investigation

The Victorian Department of Families, Fairness and Housing said it could not comment on individual cases because of the ongoing police investigation.

Children and Family Services chief executive Wendy Sturgess described Mia’s death as a tragedy for the community and said authorities would need to examine what happened.

The investigation is continuing, and police have not announced any findings about the cause or circumstances of the baby’s death.

Sources

• ABC News — Foster carers of baby girl who died say the system designed to protect her failed — September 25, 2026.
• ABC News — Ballarat and South West Victoria local news briefing — September 23, 2026.
• Ballarat Times — Police investigate death of infant in Redan — September 22, 2026.