In Georgia and across the country, most parents can’t imagine having to worry about the state removing their children from their care. For the typical parent, having control of the lives and decisions involving one’s children is something likely taken for granted. One mother’s child custody was taken from her after her landlord entered her home and noticed allegedly unsafe circumstances for the children present. The mother was not in the home at the time.
Reports indicate that the landlord had come to the home to determine if any pipes had frozen, as the temperatures that week had dropped below 10 degrees. It was at this time the landlord discovered the mother’s three children — ranging in age from 1 to 8 — were home alone. Apparently, the only item heating the home was an open oven set to 400 degrees. It was noted that flammable items were underneath and hanging from the open oven. It was also reported that the children had gone most of the day without eating.
Following this event, Children and Youth Services put the three children in the custody of their father. There is currently a warrant out for the mother’s arrest involving charges of child endangerment, but as of this report, she had yet to be placed into police custody. She allegedly posted on social media immediately after this occurrence, stating that the situation had been blown out of proportion.
When it comes to circumstances regarding child custody, it is possible for parties involved to have allegations against each other or different versions of events. Often, parties disagree on what information the court should consider and what is best for the children. When similar situations arise in Georgia, a family law professional is always available to help determine the best course of action, regardless the side of the story on which one resides.
Source: wnep.com, “Mother Facing Charges after Children Found Home Alone“, Jim Hamill, Jan. 8, 2018