Information Request

["sl3ys" <sl3ys@xxxxxxxxxx>]

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?

We know that it leads to a wide variety of potential dangers, but I
can't find any actual information about it.  Where I am, this act is not
illegal, but I understand that it is in a couple of states. I remember
watching 20/20 a few weeks back and they had a story about a woman in
Missouri who left her boy in the car to go get a soda, and the car was
stolen.  The thief tried to push the boy out of the car but he was
caught on his seat belt, and was dragged to death as the thief sped
off.  Those I talk with say that this is nothing more than an
unfortunate incident (and it is unfortunate), and that the mother had
every right to do what she did.  I understand that she even left the
doors unlocked and the keys in the car.  However, the mother faces no
reprimand whatsoever for the neglect of her boy, when clearly, had she
taken the boy with her, or even locked the doors and taken the keys, he
would still be alive today.

Now, this story is only one of the very few that I know of, but that's
all I have.  I would like to make a point the these people, but they
will only accept hard facts rather than "isolated incidents."

Any type of resources would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Marian