That is totally unacceptable.

I hope that, after the so-called "daycare" place is held accountable that another very thorough investigation is made -- into the local "justice" system there.

I hope your friend and her child get the real justice they deserve.

*Great Vibes*

I'm wondering about these older injuries, though.

What were they?
Are they on the baby's record?
Has the baby been admitted to hospital before?

I'm not casting any sort of judgement, but that does seem to be the crux of the matter.

My guess, Murph, is that the older injuries were not detected, especially since the child, at 9 months, is not fully mobile yet. Hairline fractures can be hard enough to detect on an X-Ray, let alone with the naked eye.

Sometimes I just have a suspicious mind. I wonder if there is someone working at, or with a financial interest in, the daycare that is related to the Sheriff in some way. Nepotism would definitely explain why the Sheriff is so ardently pursuing the mother.

And, I do hope she is warning all the other parents who have used that daycare so they can have their children checked by a doctor!

EDIT: I found the article online.

additionally, who takes a nine-month-old baby to an orthopedic specialist without already being aware of the problem? it's pretty obvious that the mother, not the doctor, was the first to notice the injuries and take action.

*vibes*

Murph and others, she had regular checkups with the pediatrician (and has all of the doctors records to prove it), wherein she even spoke to the doctor about her concerns over him not developing at the "regular" pace, and no injuries were discovered, as well as the pediatrician not really looking into why he was developing late.

Thanks for all your vibes, everyone. Probably the most frustrating thing has been that the sherriff called the daycare provider to ask her to come in for an interview and a polygraph test, she declined to come in...and it was dropped. They haven't pursued her AT ALL.

That's just horrible. I don't really know what to say.
*vibes*

is there any news about this, TG?

Very, very sad.

When I was about 4--well, long story short I practically killed myself playing with a dresser drawer. Ended up with only a nasty bump, but my mom took me to ER to be safe. I didn't know it then, but they apparently basically accused her of beating me (the doctor took me on a hospital tour while she was being questioned). Luckily it went no further, and I understand they have to check up on those types of things, but how scary for my mom...

Amy is in training most of this week, so I'm not sure if she's heard anything. I know the initial trial was supposed to occur in late January. I did a quick check of the local paper and didn't see anything. I'll mention to her tonight that you asked, Murph. Thank you.

When I was about 18 months old my parents lived somewhere on Long Island, in an apartment building with a small yard and clothesline. Well, mum had a sort of harness around me that was attached to the clothesline, she sat right next to me, reading a book. (apparently the yard wasn't fenced in) A neighbour saw, called the cops, they almost arrested my mum for "treating a baby like a dog". Mum's argument was that the yard wasn't fenced in and wasn't very far from the sidewalk and the road - it was impossible to bring down a struggling baby AND a playpen, even a fold-up one, plus, I could get out of a playpen in about 32 seconds.

Thanks for asking, Murph...there is a meeting with Social Services on February 12th, and a trial date is set for February 14th. Shelley's lawyer has gotten hold of the police report and statements taken, and they basically have no case, so she's feeling a tiny bit better, although it's obviously still a horrible thing all around. More updates as I get them.

quote:

Originally posted by TheatreGeek:
Thanks for asking, Murph...there is a meeting with Social Services on February 12th, and a trial date is set for February 14th. Shelley's lawyer has gotten hold of the police report and statements taken, and they basically have no case, so she's feeling a tiny bit better, although it's obviously still a horrible thing all around. More updates as I get them.

How's the kid doing?

I believe the child has been with the grandparents through all of this. The mother has had visitation rights. I haven't heard how he's doing.

*more vibes*

He's doing very well...Shelley brings in pictures fairly often, and he's just such a happy, beautiful baby. She spends a lot of time just looking through all the pictures she has at her desk, and I know it's breaking her heart that she's missing so much of his growth and development.

She continues to be in my prayers.

Has her name been out of the public eye in the past while at least?

Yes, there has only been a little blurb in the paper under the "court notes" section talking about her upcoming court date, but that's been it, thankfully.

I've been wondering, have you told her about this thread?

Yes, she knows that I've asked friends online to keep her in their thoughts and prayers, and she appreciates it