How Could You? Hall of Shame-Deidra Harris UPDATED

This will be an archive of heinous actions by those involved in child welfare, foster care and adoption. We forewarn you that these are deeply disturbing stories that may involve sex abuse, murder, kidnapping and other horrendous actions.

From Orlando, Florida, “[d]eputies on Monday charged Deidra Harris, 28, with aggravated child abuse with a weapon. They said she severely abused her adopted child and someone at the child’s school spotted the child’s injuries. Deputies said she beat the boy with his own belt. According to public records, on Monday, the boy’s school called police after they noticed “deep purple bruises” all over his body, marks that came from a “belt buckle” and “two lacerations” on his head. ” Neighbors say that the boy is 4 years old and that Harris had fostered him since he was 7 months old before adopting him.

DCF has investigated Harris twice for abuse with other children before this incident! “A Family Services spokesman said prior accusations would not automatically disqualify someone from being a foster or adoptive parent and that Harris passed all background checks.”

” The little boy is now in DCF care and a judge has already ordered that Harris cannot have any unsupervised visits with him. Now, he could lose the only mother he’s ever known.” [ Seriously? Lose the only mother he’s ever known?-the one that beats him with a belt? Maybe he would want to forget her!]

Family Services of Metro Orlando is the placing agency.
Mom Charged With Abusing Adopted Kid
[WKMG February 15, 2011]

Update: A search of Orange County, Florida public court records found the following:

She was arraigned on 3/23/11. She pled not guilty.

She had a psychiatric evaluation on 8/31/11. Her trial began on 9/6/11.

On 9/30/11, she plead “nolo contendre”(no contest) to one count of 1st degree felony aggravated child abuse.

Her sentence was 2 days, time served and 30 months probation. She was fined $788 and still owes on 6/22/12 $666 (lovely number!)

At this time, we have no other update of the child nor her future involvement with the child.

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