When a child is abused, or there is reason to suspect abuse, we all have a moral obligation to stand up and speak out for that child. Each of us hold responsibility to say something, to do something to ensure the protection of a child. We are the adults, and it falls into our hands to protect those who can not protect themselves. However, some people have more than just the average responsibility. Some people have both a moral, and a legal responsibility to report instances of suspected or possible child abuse. Those people include health care professionals, teachers and other educators, other persons. According to the Oklahoma Public Legal Research System, Oklahoma State Statue §10-7103 speaks directly to these individuals.
This isn't about educators or "other persons". This is about the very professionals whose job directly involves protecting the well being of others.
Health care workers, regardless of whether they are physicians or nurses have a unique position. They often are the only outside source that sees the signs of child abuse. They are responsible for treating the effects of abuse, but their responsibilities do not end once the medical attention has been given, and the problem treated. Rather, they must by law report any suspicions of abuse, or suffer penalties for failing to do so.
Regular readers will recall that Kelsey Briggs died October 11th of last year, after being returned to a abusive home by the Oklahoma Judge Craig Keys. Kelsey had suffered months of abuse that left her 2 year old body battered, with broken bones can bruises. Her step father (Mike Porter) has been charged in connection with her death... but there seems to be a never ending list of people who willingly decided to ignore the signs and allow her to remain in a abusive and dangerous home. Along with DHS, who is currently being sue by Lance Briggs, Kelsey's father; in connection with her death- there's Judge Keys, who seems to have been involved in a bit of ex parte with lawyers working on behalf of Raye Dawn Porter in having Kelsey returned to the abusive home, and of course Raye Dawn herself who as Kelsey's mother had overwhelming responsibility to protect Kelsey.
Getting back to the two doctors, Drs. Kelli Koons and Andrea Barrett are now being brought forth to answer questions about just why they failed to step in on Kelsey's abuse, in the form of a lawsuit recently filed against them.
I'm still wondering why no charges have been files against them. After all, there is a law pertaining to their failure to report the abuse, but I can only assume that the reason for that is likely closely related to the reason why a judge would make a decision based solely on communication with the lawyers which represent someone accused of child abuse. I'm not sure what kind of judicial system is at work down there in Oklahoma. It seems that a least a few people are favorable to allowing criminals to walk free while little children are not only put in harms way, but murdered because of them. I'm not saying the entire system is corrupt... but if it walks like a duck, quacks like a duck, and looks like a duck... it just may be a duck. And, Kelsey's case seems to be full of possible "ducks".
If you haven't already, please take a moment to visit Kelsey's Purpose. The site is maintained by those who loved Kelsey, and has forums filled with people seeking justice for a precious child who was stolen from us all. Remember, today you might be reading Kelsey's story, but tomorrow someone you love could be living it. We all have the moral responsibility to stand tall and speak up for those who can not speak for themselves, and by doing so perhaps we can prevent this from happening to the next child.
Categories: abused, kelsey, murders,
This isn't about educators or "other persons". This is about the very professionals whose job directly involves protecting the well being of others.
Health care workers, regardless of whether they are physicians or nurses have a unique position. They often are the only outside source that sees the signs of child abuse. They are responsible for treating the effects of abuse, but their responsibilities do not end once the medical attention has been given, and the problem treated. Rather, they must by law report any suspicions of abuse, or suffer penalties for failing to do so.
Any person who knowingly and willfully fails to promptly report any incident as provided in this section may be reported by the Department of Human Services to local law enforcement for criminal investigation and, upon conviction thereof, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.With that in mind, one has to wonder what became of the two doctors that treated Kelsey Briggs for broken legs.
Regular readers will recall that Kelsey Briggs died October 11th of last year, after being returned to a abusive home by the Oklahoma Judge Craig Keys. Kelsey had suffered months of abuse that left her 2 year old body battered, with broken bones can bruises. Her step father (Mike Porter) has been charged in connection with her death... but there seems to be a never ending list of people who willingly decided to ignore the signs and allow her to remain in a abusive and dangerous home. Along with DHS, who is currently being sue by Lance Briggs, Kelsey's father; in connection with her death- there's Judge Keys, who seems to have been involved in a bit of ex parte with lawyers working on behalf of Raye Dawn Porter in having Kelsey returned to the abusive home, and of course Raye Dawn herself who as Kelsey's mother had overwhelming responsibility to protect Kelsey.
Getting back to the two doctors, Drs. Kelli Koons and Andrea Barrett are now being brought forth to answer questions about just why they failed to step in on Kelsey's abuse, in the form of a lawsuit recently filed against them.
Lance Briggs' lawsuit, filed Wednesday in Pottawatomie County District Court, alleges Drs. Kelli Koons and Andrea Barrett contributed to the death of Kelsey Smith-Briggs by failing to recognize and report she was being abused.
Koons was the girl's pediatrician and Barrett began treating Kelsey in April 2005 for leg fractures. Both practiced at the Shawnee Medical Center.
I'm still wondering why no charges have been files against them. After all, there is a law pertaining to their failure to report the abuse, but I can only assume that the reason for that is likely closely related to the reason why a judge would make a decision based solely on communication with the lawyers which represent someone accused of child abuse. I'm not sure what kind of judicial system is at work down there in Oklahoma. It seems that a least a few people are favorable to allowing criminals to walk free while little children are not only put in harms way, but murdered because of them. I'm not saying the entire system is corrupt... but if it walks like a duck, quacks like a duck, and looks like a duck... it just may be a duck. And, Kelsey's case seems to be full of possible "ducks".
If you haven't already, please take a moment to visit Kelsey's Purpose. The site is maintained by those who loved Kelsey, and has forums filled with people seeking justice for a precious child who was stolen from us all. Remember, today you might be reading Kelsey's story, but tomorrow someone you love could be living it. We all have the moral responsibility to stand tall and speak up for those who can not speak for themselves, and by doing so perhaps we can prevent this from happening to the next child.
Categories: abused, kelsey, murders,
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