By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network
In Johnston, Rhode Island, a mother (Julia Castillo) pulled up to a day care center to pick up her 8 month old child. Something seemed different as she pulled up to My Special Place Early Learning Center. The parking lot was empty. Julia Castillo entered the security code which did not work. She then range the door bell and knocked on the door. There was no response. She then tried to call the day care center on her mobile phone. The calls went unanswered. All through this ordeal – Julia Castillo was thinking about her child who she dropped off earlier that day. Julia Castillo along with her 8 year old daughter (Beverly) then banged on the windows until they heard the cry of her 8 month old son – Christian Martinez – inside the day care center. The police were called and later arrived on the scene. Apparently, the owners, supervisors, and employees of the day care center had all left for the day. All employees failed to realize that Christina Martinez was left behind in a building all alone. While the child was crying, it does not appear that he suffered any serious personal injuries. However, the violations and negligence of the day care center cannot really be defended by the fact that there were no serious physical injuries.
The Rhode Island State Department of Children, Youth and Families put this day care center on probation and are conducting an investigation into potential licensing violations. You can read more about this story at 8 Month Old Left Alone in Rhode Island Day Care Center.