ROSS COUNTY, Ohio — A case of possible child abuse involving a 5-year-old at Adena Elementary School is being investigated.
The incident unfolded when deputies received a call from school staff reporting a child with a dislocated arm and bite marks, allegedly inflicted by the mother during discipline.
Deputies, upon assessing the situation, contacted Child Protective Services (CPS) and requested medical attention for the juvenile. While waiting for CPS intervention, the child was transported to Adena Regional Medical Center (ARMC) for evaluation. CPS told deputies they would not be responding and that forced law enforcement to seek an emergency order for treatment. AP
As the investigation progressed, it was revealed that the school had a policy of not notifying parents in suspected child abuse cases. Despite this, the school did so, anyway.
Upon arrival at ARMC, it was determined that the child’s elbow was indeed dislocated, and appropriate medical procedures were carried out. The CPS staff eventually arrived on the scene, but their decision not to investigate immediately raised further questions.
In a follow-up, Principal Dani Williams confirmed that the child would not be returning to Adena Preschool because the parent decided to withdraw the child from the program.
An investigation has been launched.