By Kevin Leach, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network
In Richmond, Virginia, state officials with the Department of Social Services have recommended that the day care license for Yellow Brick Road Day Care be revoked. Lynne Williams, the Director of the Virginia Department of Social Services, issued this ruling or determination in response to the tragic death of Andrew Joseph Johnson who died in July 2009. The day care center left Andrew in a vehicle for 7 hours. The owner previously stated that she plans on fighting any decision by state officials to close down her day care center. Criminal charges have been filed and are being pursued against the owner and driver from the day care center.
In Monterey, California, William Aguirre-Fajardo, age 24, has been arrested on charges of child abuse and other criminal charges involving the death of a 8 month old boy. Aguierre-Fajardo was arrested following a report from the Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital in Palo Alto, California to Monterey, California police investigators. Mr. Aquierre-Fajardo claims that the child fell. Investigators and medical providers believe that the child actually died from Shaken Baby Syndrome. The injuries according to preliminary investigation were inconsistent with Mr. Aguierre-Fajardo version of the incident leading to injuries to the child. Medical providers including emergency room nurses and doctors have a duty to report any child who is the suspected victim of child abuse and neglect. Medical providers do not need to be absolutely certain that there is abuse or neglect. You can read more about this story at 
In New York and other states, day care operators, owners, and employees have a duty to report suspected abuse and neglect of children attending the day care program. Most states have statutes in place that require day care operators, teachers, counselors, doctors, and others to promptly report abuse and neglect. Why are such laws in place? It is simple – the laws are in place for the protection of children. A person like a day care operator does not have to witness the actual abuse or even be certain of the abuse. Most states require that the person reporting the abuse have a good faith belief or suspicion of abuse.
In Maryland and other States, parents often question when a child should be allowed to be placed in a the front seat of a vehicle. In answering this question, parents should look at the State law and also look at what safety experts recommend. Just because a particular action does not violate State law does not necessarily mean that it is safe for children. For instance, the Maryland Child Passenger Safety Law does not prohibit the placement of children in the front seat of a passenger vehicle except for infants or toddlers in seats that are rear facing. Regardless of the law in Maryland and other States, some safety experts recommend that parents hold off on placing children in the front seat until they are 13 or older. The timing or age to put a child in the front seat can also depend on the size of the child as well. Some 12 year old children are undersized and should be kept in the back seat for their safety. You can read more about Maryland’s law and comments of safety experts at 
In Oregon, the Department of Human Services receives and investigates incidents of child abuse and neglect. Like many other states, Oregon has laws in place that define abuse. Abuse is defined by Oregon law by the effect on the child rather than the parent’s motivation.
A South Carolina girl suffered severe head injuries following a bicycle accident. Unfortunately, she was not wearing a bicycle helmet at the time of the injury. Skyy Nesbitt of Wellford, South Carolina fell off her bicycle and was then taken to Greenville Memorial Hospital Skyy is in a coma from these injuries