Child Injury Lawyer Blog
By David M. Baum, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network
A 27-year-old teacher at Plainfiled North High School in Illinois is accused of having sex with a 16-year-old male student at the high school. The teacher was identified as Ashley Blumenshine. She was charged with aggravated criminal sexual assault. Blumenshine was described by former her students as an outstanding teacher. She taught physical education and dance. The two were caught by police in a parking lot behind a Kohl’s department store. According to police, a Plainfield officer noticed two cars suspiciously parked outside the department store – one was empty while the other had two people inside. After the officer approached the occupied car, the teen was in the back seat with only half his clothes on. Both the student and Blumenshine were taken into custody. Blumenshine allegedly had sex with the student in the parked care. Blumenshine’s duties have been taken over by a substitute at the high school. If convicted she could face probation or 3-7 years in prison. As part of her bond agreement, Blumenshine is not allowed to have contact with anyone under the age of 18-years-old with the exception of family members. If you would like to read more on this topic please see Illinois high school teacher accused of having sex with 16-year-old student.
A minivan carrying six passengers recently blew a tire while travelling on the Dan Ryan Expressway in Chicago, Illinois. The minivan spun out of control and slammed into a semi truck trailer. A nine year old girl, a thirteen year old boy, and an adult were ejected from the minivan when it crashed. None of the three were wearing a seatbelt. All three were taken to the hospital and are in critical condition.
In Illinois and other States, day care centers have the duty to properly supervise and protect children while in the facility, while outside the facility, and while transporting the children to and from home, activities, and field trips. Pursuant to Illinois Administrative Code, Title 89 – Social Services – Chapter III Department of Children & Family Services Rules (including licensing standards) 
In Harrisburg, Illinois, the criminal trial of a day care worker will be heading to trial in July 2009. Christi Bailey, age 28, is accused of punishing children in the Illinois day care center by putting hot sauce on their tongues when the children misbehaved. Bailey is also charged with counts of assault and battery for slamming a child into a wall and dragging another child into an office. Ms. bailey faces a total of 7 criminal counts for her alleged improper care and abuse of the childrenin a Harrisburg, Illinois day care center.
In Illinois and other States, children are injured in day care center playgrounds every day. Many injuries would have been prevented if the day care center properly supervised the children playing on the playground and properly maintained the playground equipment including swings, monkey bars, slides, stairs, see saws, and ladders. Pursuant to the Illinois Administrative Code, Title 89 – Social Services – Chapter III Department of Children & Family Services Rules (including licensing standards) 
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