Heroin Death Toddlers Parents Jailed

[mikey4444]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-birmingham-23167031

Yet another case of the authorities leaving small vulnerable children with criminal parents. If this child was taken into care, he would still be alive today.

[pixie373]

It is hideous. Poor little boy. It is quite frustrating when I'm sure there are so many infertile couples out there, who would make excellent parents.

[Graham-W]

Jailed for six years and four years? Out in three and two years! For the death of a two year old child?
Rubbish!!!!
Both should be ordered to be sterilised so the same thing couldn't happen again.

[leahbee]

I fully agree with you Graham. They should never be allowed to have another child. Where children are concerned I to not give a toss about human rights.

[humbersloop]

It's tragic, exceptional and highly emotive.

Imo, it would be wiser to wait for the findings of the serious case review before rushing to judgement on whether, or how far, social services were culpable in this particular case.

Otherwise, RoSPA figures say 120 under fifteens a year die in accidents at home, mostly the under-fives. Are those childrens' parents -who failed to put a gate at the top of stairs, keep medicines out of reach, windows shut or cleaning materials in a locked cupboard - also "criminal" in their negligence?

http://www.rospa.com/homesafety/adviceandinformation/general/facts-figures.aspx

[pixie373]

Yes

[humbersloop]

if that's so, what would an appropriate sentence be, should any other children be automatically taken into care and the parents sterilised?

[pixie373]

I didn't say the parents should be sterilised, but if you have poisons (whether legal or not) within reach of a toddler plus inadequate supervision, I would call that neglect. The parents here were already committing a crime by having heroin in the house, so something could have been done to prevent this. With legal hazards, such as cleaning liquids, you are obviously allowed to have them in your house, but you should take responsibility if your young child manages to eat/drink them.

[mikey4444]

This couple were completely incapable of giving this small boy a safe upbringing. They chose their drug addict lifestyle but, unlike them, he had no choice. He should have been taken into care as soon as it became apparent that they likely to put him at risk.

Just like those poor kids that the Philpotts murdered, he lost his life due to misplaced inaction by the authorities involved. Its atrocious that such a small defenceless child should have died in such a way.

[anneasquith]

yet another death of a baby/toddler, if the parents are known drug abusers ,,,remove the child. I don't think its a difficult decision. but I do know there are not nearly enough foster families. is it possible this has anything to do with yet another needless death.

[marval]

How can they say they loved their son? The father admitted he used drugs around him, that doesn't sound like love to me.

[anneasquith]

maybe the did '' love '' him, but drugs were loved much more.

[mikey4444]

The paucity of places to foster children is a serious problem but it shouldn't interfere with the safety of children. In both of the cases mentioned in the news today, the kids would still be alive if action had been taken.

From what I know and understand, there are 1000's of people who can't conceive and would welcome the opportunity to adopt. If there is a log-jam in the system, then make the process simpler and therefore quicker.

Both sets of parents in these two cases obviated their right to be parents.
Its very simple and we shouldn't make it complicated...take the kids away from idiots and criminals and give them to people who will give them the upbringing they need and deserve. Don't faff about...just do it.

[pixie373]

Exactly, Mikey. People have to jump through hoops to adopt, but couples like this can have as many as they like. Of course you have to be careful who you place a child with, but it does seem to be overly lengthy and complicated.

[Just-Jude]

This toddler died a horrible death because of his scum parents!

Meanwhile teacher Jeremy Forrest rots in jail for "kidnapping" his girlfriend!

[beso]

It is very easy in hindsight to know which of the thousands of children who might be vulnerable would benefit by being removed.

The fact is the vast extent of the problem far exceeds the resources available.

[jim360]

Not comparing like with like, Jude -- and he abducted rather than kidnapped anyway. Do stop going on about that case, it was a crime as well -- in the eyes of the law, and of most people who know that taking a child away from their parents is a horribly distressing time for all concerned.

As regard this case -- I don't know what to say.