A Georgia mom was arrested after her 10-year-old son took a walk to a store alone in rural Georgia. The mom, Brittany Patterson, was arrested for reckless endangerment, a charge not recognized under Georgia law. She had left her son at home while taking another child to a medical appointment, assuming he didn’t want to come. The incident sparked confusion and criticism, with experts and parental rights activists questioning the arrest.
Patterson lives in a rural area where it’s common for children to explore on their own. Her son, Soren, walked about a mile to a Dollar General store, triggering a bystander to report him to authorities. Patterson was arrested for not knowing her son’s whereabouts and failing to report him missing before leaving home. Children 9 and older can be left alone in Georgia, but there is no specific law about children walking alone.
After her arrest, Patterson was given a Safety Plan by the Division of Family and Children Services, which she refused to sign. Her lawyer argues that Patterson did nothing wrong and should not be charged. Cases of unsupervised kids leading to legal trouble for parents are rare, with Hetherington, a law professor, saying parents have the right to decide on their children’s freedom.
Overall, experts stress that responsible parenting decisions should not result in criminal prosecution. Parents should be able to give their children independence, as long as they prioritize safety and well-being. The case highlights the need for clear guidelines on when children can be left alone and the importance of considering individual circumstances in such situations.
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