We've already discussed cases where prospective adoptive parents were told that they were too fat to adopt. Now, there are cases where kids are too fat and parents are being charged with child abuse and neglect! Really!
Back in June, South Carolina mom, Jerri Gray, was arrested and charged with criminal neglect. Her 14-year-old son, Alexander, weighed 555 pounds and was placed in foster care. According to Ms. Gray she followed nutritional guidelines set for her son, but couldn't watch him while he was in school.
My problem with this is that the court may be asking for parental control over a child's weight. Where could this be going - jumping from weight issues - too fat or too skinny - then on to other behaviors that a parent can't control? I understand being at a supermarket and the desire to lock up the parent of the screaming toddler, who upon check-out still gets a candy bar. But, where is the line with the court interfering in parental decisions? I agree, that parents need to do all they can to help their children remain healthy. Is taking the child away and placing him in the traumatic situation as a foster home the answer? At age 14, this child knew exactly what he was doing. Where is his accountability? Mom was arrested. He was placed in foster care. If mom truly did all she could, it seems she got the short end of the stick here.
So, in your opinion, is childhood obesity child abuse? Should a parent be arrested and charged with abuse or medical neglect if their child becomes obese? Click "comments" below and share your thoughts on this case in general. .
SOURCE - S.C. case looks on child obesity as child abuse. But is it? - USA TODAY