“THERE was not the support that Jaz needed, nor was the support that we needed ever provided”, the family of Haslemere teenager Jasmine Bush stated after the inquest into her death.

At the age of 13, Jasmine was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder pathological demand avoidance, which made her increasingly withdrawn, anxious and depressed.

Tragically, three years later, she died after being struck by a train outside Haslemere station on August 24 in 2017.

Her mother Nicky said: “Social services were told on numerous occasions that we were struggling and a family in crisis. I don’t feel that they supported Jaz or us.”

At the three-day inquest into their daughter’s death, which closed on Thursday last week, assistant coroner Anna Loxton heard that Jasmine had become “uncontrollable” before her death.

Mrs Loxton recorded a narrative conclusion, stating she did not find any failings in respect of the care and support delivered. She ruled Jasmine’s anxiety and autism meant she had “requisite intent for suicide” – not the predetermined intent for suicide.

Following the verdict, the family acknowleged the support provided by NHS specialist child and adolescent mental health services and praised clinical psychologist Dr Julia Woollatt.

The family stated: ‘We are pleased that there is now a support network for other families which was not in place for us. However, we are frustrated that the Surrey Family Services have not acknowledged their role.

‘There was not the support that Jaz needed, nor was the support that we needed as a family ever provided to us. We think if it had been Jaz would still be here today.

‘The family do not feel that Surrey Family Services acted with openness and respect during this inquest.

‘We are also frustrated that the inquest has taken place before the Child Death Panel Review despite it now being 21 months since her death. We feel Jaz has not been dealt with as a child and has become just another statistic to Surrey Family Services.’

Mrs Bush told the Herald: “It took 42 days to be allocated to Children’s Services, but as it is within their 45 days timescale that meets their criteria. I don’t believe they understood what pathological demand avoidance actually was.

“They advised in their report that Jaz living in the garden shed was suitable amenities. I think they were relying too much on me and I had no-one to turn to.”

Responding, a Surrey Family Services spokesman said: “We are deeply saddened by the loss of Jasmine and our thoughts are with her family and friends at this particularly difficult time. Children, young people and their families are a top priority for us and we are focused on helping families find the best possible support.”

Mrs Bush hopes family support will be improved as a result of a partnership review commissioned by Surrey Safeguarding Children Board. An independent reviewer has been appointed and the preliminary stages are under way.”