Child Injury Lawyer Blog

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Parents in Indiana and other states should be very careful as to who they trust to babysit their children. In Veedersburg, Indiana, a couple (Stephen Quick and Samantha Light) were recently arrested and charged with serious crimes of child molestation and child exploitation. Police reported that the couple operated a baby sitting service out of their home and videotaped various sex acts with the children over a period of many months. The videotapes themselves will be very powerful pieces of evidence for the criminal trial should the case proceed to trial. This story should serve as a good learning lesson for all parents. Reserach and check out the people babysitting your children. If Stephen Quick and Samantha Light had no prior criminal record - then it may have been difficult to predict their actions. In addition to criminal history and record, it would be helpful to know if a family home day care or babysitting service is licensed or registered with the State of Indiana. If the allegations are true and proven, the criminal sentence should include prolonged prison time and subsequent probation that prohibits this couple from caring for or being around children where the children would be at risks from these sexual predators. You can read more about this story at Couple Arrested in Indiana for Sexual Exploitation and Child Molestation.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

The United States Department of Health and Human Resources has a website that has a great reference tool for parents and caregivers with children in day care centers and child care centers. Each state regulates day care centers / child care centers through a state specific administrative code and / or policy manual. Go to State Administrative Rules and Policy Manuals for Child Care. Another good resource is located at the website for the National Resource Center for
Health and Safety in Child Care and Early Education. Parents should use these and other resources to educate themselves on the various state specific rules and regulations for day care centers and child care centers. Each state regulates day care centers slightly differently. As such, parents should be informed on the regulations that apply to their children's day care center. Is the facility following the law? Are the state specific requirements for staffing being met? Are records being kept according to the state law? What information as a parent and caregiver am I entitled to regarding incidents and accidents? What disciplinary measures are allowed? What disciplinary actions are prohibited? These and many other issues are addressed in these day care rules and regulations. In addition, parents concerned about the care being received in a day care center / child care center can also consult with a child injury attorney / lawyer to find out if there is a viable case or claim to be pursued on behalf of a child who has been injured in a day care center as a result of day care negligence, abuse, or neglect.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Children should respect their elders; however, no child should be physically harmed or beaten especially those under the age of 2. In Indianapolis, Indiana, Tayaun Chism (an 18 year old man) beat his girlfriend's 14 month old toddler - Lilliana Goodman. Why did Mr. Chism beat this child? He beat the child because she allegedly disrespected Mr. Chism. The alleged act of disrespect was that the child was not eating her food as directed. What is the punishment for not eating food as directed? Mr. Chism took a belt to her for more than 1 hour. These heinous acts of abuse put the child in critical condition. The child is being treated at St. Vincent's Hospital.

Mr. Chism should have checked his pride at the door and thought more about the best interest of the child. In addition, Mr. Chism should have recognized that the beating of the 14 month old was a crime. Mr. Chism was arrested on charges of
child abuse.

You can read more about this story at Indianapolis, Indiana Man Arrested for Child Abuse for Beating of Toddler Who Disrespected Him.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Special needs children / students need to have proper supervision and patience from teachers in Indiana and other States. In Lafayette, Indiana, a special need middle school teacher was fired by the school board for duct taping a student's mouth shut. This truly is no way to discipline a child or make a point. It is corporal punishment - plain and simple. Pamela Dahnke, the middle school teacher, was a health and nutrition teacher. One would think that she would realize the psychological and social ramifications of such acts in Indiana.

Special needs children in schools should be give guidance, attention and supervision. They should not be subject to psychological or physical injuries inflicted by teachers, school staff, or other children. You can read more about this story at Indiana Middle School Teacher Dismissed for Duct Taping Student's Mouth Shut.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Getting drunk can literally kill a child. In Indianapolis, Indiana, a mother was sentenced to 15 years of prison for suffocating her child. Police reported that Latasha McMorris (age 25) was found lying on top of 2 year old (Sheldon Bartley, Jr.) after she had passed out in a motel room in Indianapolis, Indiana. Officer reported that bottles of gin and vodka were found in the motel room. McMorris' boyfriend had called 911 about the incident.

Parents, caregivers, teachers, and day care workers should not drink while providing care or supervision of a child. Young children, especially those 2 and under, need diligent supervision to make sure that the child does not harm himself or herself. Sheldon Bartley, Jr. was unable to protect himself or understand the dangers of being near an intoxicated person. It is a sad ending to a life and a very poor example of parenting.

You can read more about this story at Mom Gets 15 Years for Suffocation Death of Indianapolis, Indiana Toddler.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

A Delaware County, Indiana mother (Sherri Feuston) was recently charged with neglect of a dependent, battery, and confinement. Prior to sending her 9 year old son to work, Feuston held down her down and scratched the b----- word on her son's forehead. After showing up at school for derogatory graffiti on his forehead, Selma Elementary School officials contacted the police. When questioned by authorities, Feuston admitted to the incident but stated that it was just a joke. This "so called joke" got Feuston arrested and subjected her to the criminal charges.

Parents, caregivers, teachers, day care workers, and others responsible for the supervision of children should protect and look after the safety, welfare, and well being of children. Feuston's conduct seemed to be that of an immature teenager than a mother who is supposed to protect her child. You can read more about this story and see a photo of the child's forehead at Indiana Mom Scratches Derogatory Word on Son's Forehead and Then Sends Him to School.