Child Death By Dog Bites May Prompt Michigan Protective Services Investigation
Until a child reaches the age of 18, their parent or guardian is responsible for their physical and mental well-being. Should the parent fail to protect the minor, Children’s Protective Services are likely to become involved. Ask any experienced child neglect and abuse lawyer in Michigan, if found negligent or abusive, it is possible to face serious consequences. In most cases, an investigation by Children's Protective Services is prompted by the physical actions of the parent. However, it is also possible to be legally responsible for the actions of others living in the home, including significant others or pets.
In mid-July, Lincoln Park resident Debra Holland, 29, put her five year-old son Kyle to bed at night, just as usual. When she checked on him the next morning, he was dead. According to medical examiners, the young child died due to “crush wounds, suffering bites to the head, face, neck, shoulder, chest, left arm and legs”. At the time of Kyle fs death, Holland’s live-in boyfriend owned two dogs, both of which resided inside the home.
Although a final report has yet to be submitted, experts maintain that the child fs death could prompt an investigation by Children’s Protective Services. The department manual has at least two stipulations that may be linked to this incident, making those caring for him responsible. Any person who is a parent or aged 18 years or older living within the same household as a child is legally required to protect that child. Furthermore, should a parent or guardian fail to protect the minor from a known harm, they could also be held legally responsible. In this case, the two dogs could be considered a “known harm.”
Although the case currently remains at a standstill pending lab results, law enforcement officials reported the incident to Children fs Protective Services. According to Michigan’s Mandatory Reporting law, certain professions (including police) are required to report any cases where child abuse or child neglect could have occurred.
Having Children’s Protective Services prying into your home is not a pleasant experience. Should evidence of child abuse or child neglect be discovered, the loss of parental rights or jail time may result. To protect yourself from these life-changing consequences, it is important to get the legal advice and legal representation that will keep your family together. Contact knowledgeable and aggressive child abuse & neglect attorneys in Michigan to ensure that your rights as a parent are preserved and protected.
About the Author
Since 1998, the child neglect abuse attorneys at Kronzek & Cronkright have provided the best legal advice and legal representation for people accused of child abuse & neglect in Michigan.
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