Child Abuse and Neglect: What You Need to Know

Summary of the News Article

As reported by McKenna Oxenden in the newspaper Baltimore Sun, the incidences of child abuse and negligence continue to be witnessed despite the strict measures that have put in place. The death of the 4-year-old boy, Malachi Lawson, is demoralizing as this addresses the failures of our duties and responsibilities to eradicate child maltreatment. As Malachi was taken to the bath by her mother and her partner, he was burnt severely in the bathtub, and left untreated for days, and this led to the boy’s death. There was negligence by both Alison and Shatika, as they intentionally sought to hide the boy’s injuries for their own well-being instead of taking to the hospital for treatment. However, both were arrested and charged in the court of different charges. They were charged with involuntary manslaughter for deliberately causing the death of the boy. They also faced charges of first-degree child abuse for intentionally violating the rights of baby Malachi. Reckless endangerment was also a case to answer as they failed in their responsibility of taking care of the child. Besides these charges, they were also accused of tampering with the important evidence and giving of false information concerning the death of Malachi. Both Alison and Shatika tried to defend themselves from the accusations and seek bail but to no avail. However, according to the substantial evidence that was being presented to the court, they were to be held solely responsible for the death of Malachi. They had a negative past history with the child protective services proving that they had issues of child maltreatment.

Reflection on the Article

Despite the strict measures formulated and put in place to enhance the protection of children from all forms of abuse, cases of child maltreatment still exist. There is the need, therefore, of all the various parties involved in the child protection services to enforce the laws and are followed to the latter. The court and the police should be at the front to collect evidence and charge the offenders accordingly. Those found guilty of violating such laws should face the required form of heavy punishment without favoritism. This will serve as an example to other people who are still involved in different forms of child maltreatment to end such vices.

Reference

Oxenden, M. (2019, August 5). 4-year-old Baltimore boy suffered untreated burns before mother put body in dumpster, charging documents say. Baltimore Sun. Retrieved from https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/crime/bs-md-ci-cr-lawson-charging-documents-20190805-uzt6qp6ttzhptgql2iyomwzvne-story.html