Sunday

Sunday, January 4, 2009.

Dangerous Daycare - S.C.
Kendra Gaddie’s brain hemorrhage didn’t have to happen. But mandatory minimum sentences aren’t the best way to protect another child from the same fate.

Unfortunately, that’s the only solution we’ve heard since Talisha Lavette Smith, 26, was sentenced to five years probation for harming 7-month-old Kendra. On March 19, 2008, Ms. Smith, the owner of Helping Hands Family Childcare in Columbia, slapped Kendra and caused her brain to bleed severely — perhaps permanently injuring the infant.

Initially Ms. Smith lied about the origins of Kendra’s injuries, claiming the baby hit her head on a rocking chair. But when Kendra’s parents took her to the emergency room, they learned that her injuries were attributable to physical abuse. Ms. Smith pleaded guilty to the crime and was sentenced on Dec. 8. Some, including Kendra’s parents, are disappointed with the sentence and are demanding mandatory minimum sentences for child abusers. (continued)

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5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Sounds more like a blunt blow with the hand. Lets just pray the baby will fully recover.

Anonymous said...

Why are there people in this world that feel like they have to hurt a child? A child is an innocence life. You do not know how precious their lives are until something happens. Please protect and love your child. Also, parents please be careful in who you hire to watch your kids.

Anonymous said...

I am a little confused. Who is this posting from and what do they think a solution to child abuse other than mandatory minimums is? Granted, this won't help as far as prevention, but should certainly be there as far as a punishment. Many other things are needed, but there certainly should be a severe punishment to fit the crime.

Anonymous said...

This sentence confuses me. She would get a stiffer penalty by hitting a grown woman and that seems absurd. Doesn't the severity of the injury count in the sentancing?

Anonymous said...

Taking care of kids require patience and gentility.
If you don't have these qualities, stay away from childcare jobs please!

I feel for the parents. The guilt they must feel...and poor baby.

...and by the way ladies, always remember to give full disclosure to the parents. I talk a lot and I report everything, good and bad. You can save a life this way.

Can you imagine slapping a baby in the head? my goodness. You would have to be nuts