Fearful of Child Protective Services, Mother of Dominick Calhoun Failed to Seek Medical Attention
Experienced child neglect and abuse lawyers in Michigan can commiserate¨C a parent who is confronted by Children’s Protective Services faces a terrifying experience. While some guardians may think that by avoiding reporting instances of abuse to the proper authorities they will also avoid criminal charges and the loss of parental rights, this is far from true. In fact, failure to bring up instances of child abuse or child neglect in Michigan will cause even harsher charges to be brought against you, as well as tarnish your reputation as a loving and protective parent.
Over the past few months, the media has turned their attention to Corrine Baker and Brandon Hayes, who have been arrested by police for child abuse charges in Michigan, stemming from the death of four year-old Dominick Calhoun. In the days before his death, Calhoun was allegedly badly injured due to severe beatings administered by Hayes. Many, including the court system, think that Baker did not do enough to prevent her boyfriend from hurting her child, and she has consequently also been charged with second-degree murder in Michigan for her role.
New testimony provided by relatives stated that Baker neglected to get medical attention for her son because she feared arrest warrants and the actions of Children’s Protective Services. During a visit to the home to purchase marijuana from his nephew, Hayes’ uncle Rodney Keen noticed that Dominick’s hand was badly burnt. Keen immediately instructed Baker to take her son to the hospital for medical attention, but “they said they couldn’t do that because they had warrants for arrest and they didn’t want child services involved.” Others who took the stand, such as Baker’s sister and friends, testified to the same story–they also noticed the young boy’s injuries during a visit to the Argentine Township apartment where the family was living.
Even though Corrine Baker believed that not reporting the abuse of Dominick to the authorities was the best decision, it consequently backfired allowing the authorities to bring even stronger criminal charges against her. Under the Michigan Child Protection Law, people like Baker who could be accused of being potential suspects are required to report instances of child abuse to both CPS and law enforcement officials. Failure to do so will not only bring legal consequences, but also raise questions about your parenting skills and abilities. To protect botchild abuse & neglect attorneys in Michigan immediately, you will receive superior legal advice and legal representation designed to not only protect your freedom, but your family as well.
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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