Caring for a child with special needs can often prove overwhelming for many parents. In some instances, individuals may not know how to properly care for their children or not know what actions to take to ensure that they receive the proper care. Though they may be doing their best, some parents in this type of situation could find themselves in need of a criminal defense if authorities believe that a child has been neglected.

One woman in Tennessee is currently facing such a predicament. Reports stated that the woman is the mother of a 6-year-old boy with specials needs. Among those care requirements is the necessity of being fed through a feeding tube. Authorities had apparently been attempting to locate the woman and her son for over six months and recently found them at a hotel.

Reports stated that the child was malnourished, had bruising and bed sores, and showed other signs of possible neglect. A Department of Child Services worker stated that the child’s feeding tube was not working correctly. The young boy was taken to the hospital where it was determined that he weighed only 13 lbs. As a result of this situation, the mother is currently facing charges for aggravated child abuse and neglect.

Any time someone is accused of abusing a child, he or she is often met with considerable judgment and stigma. However, the only type of judgment that plays a critical role in this Tennessee woman’s case is that of a criminal court judge. Therefore, she may wish to find out what options for creating a criminal defense may prove most useful to her when it comes to addressing her situation in court.

Source: Fox News, “Tennessee mom arrested for allegedly neglecting, starving 13 pound, 6-year-old son, authorities say“, Elizabeth Zwirz, Dec. 15, 2017