Re: Information Request

[Adam Tomison <adamt@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

sl3ys wrote:
> 
> Hello all,
> 
> I was wondering if I could have a little help.  I'm looking for a report
> or statistics about parents who leave their young children alone in
> vehicles.  I need to share this information with a group of people who
> refuse to classify this as neglect.  On the whole, is it even considered
> neglect?


In Australia this issue is currently very topical.  Earlier this year a
mother left her toddler in a car outside a gambling venue for a number
of hours.  The day was quite hot and the child suffered significant
internal damage as a result and subsequently died two days later.  The
mother has been charged with manslaughter.  Similar cases involving
children (and animals) being left unattended in cars, (but with happier
endings - people alerting authorities who then broke into the vehicles)
were reported in the 2 weeks following the child death.

This practice is definitely considered a form of neglect, and in the
past 5 years is most strongly associated with children being left
outside gambling venues while a caregiver plays inside.  In most
Australian jurisdictions Police will often lay charges because the
practice may endanger life (and I think because the link with gambling
has usually meant high media coverage). 

Unfortunately, I am unaware of any stats or reports focused on the
practice specifically, although cornoner's findings would describe the
situation and make recommendations for preventative action.  Police
stats in the states you mention may also be available, but may be lumped
in under the general category 'conduct endangering life'.

Adam Tomison 



_______________________________________
Adam Tomison
Research Advisor/Senior Research Fellow
National Child Protection Clearinghouse
Australian Institute of Family Studies
300 Queen St
Melbourne, VIC, 3000
AUSTRALIA

Ph: +61 3 9214 7821
Fax: +61 3 9214 7839
Email: adamt@aifs.org.au 
Internet: www.aifs.org.au 
List owner: childprotect@aifs.org.au