In loving memory of the children whose lives were tragically cut short. Their stories remind us why we must continue to fight for safer child care.
Ronan Wilson died as the result of an E. coli outbreak at State-licensed Fletch Family Daycare in Vancouver, WA. Many professionals failed to act promptly, including the children's doctors, the health department and daycare owner Dianne Fletch. The Department of Early Learning (DEL) admitted having knowledge, in a letter to Dianne Fletch: "Your family home has had a history of not being in compliance of the minimum licensing regulations".
Jaclyn Frank strangled on window blind cords at Julie Norris' State-licensed daycare center near Bothell, WA. After the death of Jaclyn, DSHS "indefinitely suspended" Norris' license pending a CPS investigation. It was only after Jaclyn died that her parents learned there were four valid complaints against the provider, including one for lack of supervision after a toddler broke a leg. Jaclyn's mother was referred to the daycare by State-funded Child Care Resource & Referral.
Gracee Gorrebeeck died at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, WA as the result of a skull fracture and brain injury inflicted by a White Center daycare provider. Arliss Demaree admitted to shaking Gracee so violently that her "head snapped back". It upset Demaree that Gracee did not interact with her like she did with her parents. According to court papers, Demaree became angry when Gracee would not say her name. Demaree was sentenced to 15 years in prison.
Cheyenne Kaiser strangled on a window blind cord. The danger of window blind cords is often over-looked. Her mother, Linda Kaiser, founded Parents for Window Blind Safety in her memory.
Nathan Slater died from brain injury. State-licensed daycare provider Sheri Reiser admitted "she slammed the baby on her knee and tossed him into his crib after his cries frustrated her." Nathan's mother was referred to the daycare by State-funded Child Care Resource & Referral.
Charlotte Wetzel died after State-licensed daycare provider Robin Johnson kicked the toddler in the stomach with her heel and stomped on her stomach. Johnson, owner of Robin's Day Care, abused Charlotte about five times in the preceding several months, pulled her hair, hit her and kicked her in the ribs, causing her to vomit. Johnson pleaded guilty to first-degree murder by child abuse and was sentenced to 20 years in prison.
Benjamin New died while in the care of State licensed day care provider Janine Marie Babcock. Snohomish County Medical Examiner Eric Kiesel discovered that Benjamin had died within minutes of a blow to the left side of his head, which also caused injury to the right side. His death was ruled a homicide. During the murder trial, the defense attorney cast doubt upon the parenting skills of Philip and Ramona New. The jury acquitted Babcock.
Jesse Hunt died at Mary Bridge Children's Hospital, where he was removed from life support after being declared brain dead. His family maintains that Jesse's death was the result of injuries suffered while in the care of State-licensed Puffin Daycare owner Edith Goetz of Tacoma. CPS, a department of DSHS, received up to 13 complaints of child abuse against Goetz between June 1991 and November 1993. DSHS, also responsible for daycare licensing, did not investigate those reports. The State was found to be negligent and settled in a lawsuit filed by the estate of Andrew Jesse Hunt. Jesse's mother was referred to Puffin Daycare by State-funded Child Care Resource and Referral.
Lest we forget what history was supposed to teach us:
Three year old Matthew Eli Creekmore suffered long-term torture at the hands of his father. Doctors, child care workers, family and members of the community reported their grave concerns to Child Protective Services (CPS).
A State-appointed psychiatrist who examined Eli concluded that the boy was lying when he said his father beat him.
On September 27th 1986, six hours after Darren Creekmore, accomplished in karate, kicked his young son in the stomach for the final time, rupturing his small intestine, Eli passed away.
The highly publicized case of little Eli Creekmore should forever remain a stark reminder that we need to do better. Although Eli's case was supposed to have been the basis for major Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) reform, the historic results have been heavily-financed smoke and mirrors.
These children's stories fuel our mission to create safer child care for all. Join us in advocating for change so no family has to experience this tragedy.