Opinion ID: 1253377
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Neglect and Abuse

Text: Neglect was established by the presentation of evidence demonstrating inadequate care, maintenance, and supervision. Testimony from neighbors and care providers established that the home was filthy, and that garbage and dirty clothes were strewn throughout the trailer and within the children's access. A single mattress, placed on an unclean floor, constituted sleeping arrangements for the children. Dangerous medications were left in reach of the children in a drawer containing candy, despite consistent warnings to avoid this problem. TL and JL were often so dirty when they arrived at day care that the other children refused to associate with them because they smelled of urine. Dried feces would be found on their diapers and clothing. TL and JL also were often inappropriately dressed for the weather, arriving without a coat or socks on snowy days. Both children were extremely difficult to control, exhibiting violent behavior and inappropriate language directed toward the teachers and other children. The children routinely arrived at day care unfed. Appellants failed to give the children their medication, or neglected to administer the proper dosage, and failed to send the medication to day care when necessary. Appellants' inappropriate physical punishment of both TL and JL was also a subject of ongoing concern. Violence in the home occurred frequently in the presence of all the children. Neighbors testified that there were daily fights, screaming, and verbal abuse. Foster mother for ES and JL testified that when the children came to her home, they were deeply troubled. In addition to the aggressive behaviors of JL recited above and his diagnosis of reactive attachment disorder stemming from neglect and abuse, he was afraid of being outside alone, afraid of thunder, and afraid of the dark. When ES arrived in 1997, she exhibited an eating disorder and would take food from the garbage or off the street. She would not sleep in a bed and attempted to wander through the house at all hours of the night. She had severe ear infections and dental problems, and when around adults, she would scream. It is undisputed that TL also suffered from reactive attachment disorder stemming from neglect and abuse. In addition, foster mother for TL testified that when TL arrived, she had few social skills and would go into rages two or three times a day, screaming, hitting, and cussing. TL also exhibited facial ticks which have all but disappeared since she has been in foster care. Appellants concede that there may be sufficient evidence of abuse and neglect in the cases of JL and TL, but not for ES. However, ample evidence proved that ES was clearly exposed to a dangerous environment, and her physical needs were being ignored. As we said in DS, [i]t would, indeed, be a sad commentary upon the law if it were unable to come to the aid of an abused or neglected child until there was an actual manifestation of some serious damage. 607 P.2d at 922-23. See also In re ZKP, 979 P.2d at 957-58, and Matter of GP, 679 P.2d at 1007.