Last month, we wrote about a single mother who might face jail time because she had to go to work while leaving her 14-year-old daughter to babysit her 4-year-old son.
Melissa Henderson is a single mother from Blairsville, Georgia, USA; she had to earn money for her children during the turbulent times of COVID – she decided to put her 14-year-old daughter in charge while she went to work.
While Melissa was out working, her 4-year-old son snuck out of the house to visit his friend, who’s a neighbor.
The friend’s mother immediately called the police on Melissa to leave her children alone and go to work. It was a harrowing and horrifying experience for Melissa and her family as she was handcuffed in front of her kids. Her ex-husband eventually bailed her out, and now she might face jail time.
Melissa’s lawyer, Mr. David DeLugas, is the founder of ParentsUSA, and his mission in life is to help parents who are wrongfully charged. He created a GoFundMe for the family, and it has garnered immense support from people.
Melissa Receives Massive Support
Melissa’s GoFundMe campaign states:
“ParentsUSA stands with parents whose rights are violated as they make decisions about their children, without causing harm to them, a standard the US Supreme Court established. Please support our defense of this mother which defense and, we expect, exoneration also sends the message to district attorneys, judges, and law enforcement that they must not use their personal assessment of ‘good’ and ‘bad’ parenting into their decisions to arrest and prosecute!”
The campaign has a goal of $59,000 and has already reached a massive $48,130 at the time of writing this article. Mothers & parents from all over the world commented on the GoFundMe page, showing love and support for Melissa and everything she’s been through.
Shaun Hunt wrote:
“I am a single mother and I understand that sometimes we have to make the hardest decision either to work and support our families or don’t work and not pay the rent. It’s not much but I pray it helps..”
Brook Arnold commented:
“I am sure you must feel the weight of the world on your shoulders and the world is judging you for this situation. Please know all realistic mothers of children have let older siblings babysit and could have very well been in similar situations.…”
Kelly Wright said:
“As a single mother of 3 kids, I had to make tough decisions about child care at times. I’m sorry this happened to you. I hope the woman who called the police regrets that decision. She could have offered to help instead. Good luck to you.”
Alicia Harkins spoke:
“She had 2 choices….to let her oldest and responsible daughter watch over her siblings so she could keep the lights on….or not go to work and let everyone starve. Total BS! I stand with you! Everyone needs to call the sheriffs department and demand this officer gets fired. He made his choice that day so now let him live with it. Prayers to you and your family. Not much to give but it’s one step closer to the goal. Take him down!!!!”
You can help Melissa and her family by going to their GoFundMe page here and donating; every little bit counts!
This is a developing story, we will keep you updated.
What are your thoughts on Melissa’s story? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Sources:
Images & Featured Image via Melissa Henderson
I had babysat my sibling at a young age (11 YRS OLDD) while both of my parents worked during the day. At the time it was 6 of us and my parents could not afford daycare. So my Twin and I kept the little ones and follow directions. However, I disagree that a person that is not a parent, but an officer should not be so judgemental and quickly decide what’s best for the children. Non-parents do not know the sacrifice/obstacles/hard decisions or anything that a parent will do for their child to survive. It’s all about survival. I do not see anything wrong with a 14 yr old to babysitting any kids, especially their siblings. Sorry to hear all this happen to you. I wish you the best of luck and the judicial system will ease the pain and spare you mercy. Cause it’s not right for those kids be brought up in the system.
I was 11 years old and had 5 siblings. My parents owned a farm and I’d stay home while they would go into the woods to cut firewood or bale hay. I hate this for you! Your neighbor should be ashamed and should of asked how she could help!
Unfair law makers very simple
When I was 13-14 years old other parents paid me and other girls to babysit their smaller children. Granted, we attended the same church. Our families knew we were responsible. This sounds out ridiculous.
When I was 13 I use to babysit for the neighbors kids. 3 of them. It depends on the maturity on who’s watching the kids
I started watching after my 3 younger brothers when I was 12 years old. The only thing the law states is that if you leave a minor at home, alone (within the states specified age range), and something happens to them or a child they are caring for in a babysitter role, the parents of that child could be charged with child endangerment. I know its a double edged law, because if it states they can stay home alone, then why would a parent get charged for an accident happening? Heck, adults get hurt, accidents happen. Shouldn’t have anything to do with the age.