Child Injury Lawyer Blog
By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network
The Associated Press reported a very good but sad story about the trafficking of children for slave and indentured servant type of labor in the United States. The children were reported to work day and night with little to no breaks and very poor wages. While many think that these arrangements only take place outside of the United States, there are numerous reports showing child labor and child labor trafficking as a real problem in California and other States in the United States. You can read the sad stories of some of these children at Child Maid Trafficking – A Real Problem in the United States.
Wayne Bent, who calls himself the second coming of Christ, is yet another church leader in New Mexico that has been arrested and will stand child not as a church leader but as a sexual predator. Bent recently gave an interview to ABC Good Morning America to clarify his actions to his followers who attended the interview. Bent is the 67 year old leader of a fringe church called the Lord of Our Righteous Church. Bent admitted to Good Morning America that he did lay next to one of the naked teenagers and put his hand on her chest (sternum). How this can be any part of a reputable and traditional church procedure, service, or prayer ceremony is really beyond any comprehension? Bent’s unusual rituals go right into his teachings according to former church members. One former church member stated that one stipulation of the church is that Bent is the only person who can have sex with church members.
A 16 year old boy recently freed himself from captivity from a California home in the United States. . . yes, a boy was shackled like an animal in the country known for being the home of the free. Another suspect was recently arrested for his role in the case involving the ongoing torture, child endangerment, and corporal injury as well as false imprisonment to the 16 year old boy. Three other suspects were previously arrested in this bizarre case that came to light when the boy escaped and was found by good samaritans at a local gym who stepped in and got the boy some help, freedom, and safety. Reports indicate that the boy spent 1 year in captivity. The torture, personal injury, mental and physical pain and suffering for this year is hard to completely appreciate. Hopefully, justice will prevail regarding the criminals who caused harm to this child. Furthermore, let’s hope that the child gets the medical attention and counseling he so greatly needs after being held captive for 1 year.
Edel Sum, the owner / operator of a Round Rock, Texas day care center in her home, was arrested for child endangerment. Apparently, Ms. Sum left her home and 4 children under the age of 2. The children were left in the home alone with absolutely no parental supervision While she was out, she was involved in an automobile accident. She then informed the police officer that she needed to go home in order to take care of the children. A neighbor was able to get into the home to find the children in their play pens.
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.
The Iowa Department of Human Resources publishes a very important guide for Mandatory Reporters to report child abuse to this agency. A Mandatory Reporter is defined as a person who, under Iowa Law, has a legal obligation to report child abuse. Mandatory Reporters include teachers, physicians, day care owners / employees, and others. You can review the 
Thousands of children are abused and neglected every year in the State of Connecticut. The United States Department of Health and Human Services, Administration on Children, Youth and Families, Children’s Bureau reported that 13,285 incidents of child abuse took place in 2004. You can read more about these statistics and more at
