How Could You? Hall of Shame-Billy Mitchell-child death

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 Ogallala, Nebraska, 11-year-old Billy Mitchell died in foster care on December 23, 2010. He was found with a belt around his neck.

“A few years ago, Toby Mitchell discovered he had a son in Ohio named Billy. Toby said he moved Billy to their western Nebraska home in Ogallala to make him part of their family.”

“Soon after, Billy began exhibiting disturbing behaviors, his parents said. They said Billy tried to poison the fish tank and made other threats.

“He had thought of how to kill his brother and sister,” Michelle said.

The couple said they tried counseling at first, but Billy wasn’t making progress.

Hoping the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services could find help for Billy, they opened a voluntary case.

Billy now had access to a case worker and family support specialists and would live with a foster family until it was appropriate for him to come home.”

Why wasn’t Billy receiving intensive mental health care?

Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services says, ”  The services that had been identified for Billy were provided. There was never a request or concern that he be monitored 24/7, and foster care was an appropriate placement.”
“The identity of the foster parents under whose care Billy was when he died has not been released, but authorities said they are not under investigation.

Billy’s DHHS worker saw him the day of his death and said nothing seemed out of the ordinary.”

This case highlights how difficult it is to receive mental health care for children. Even when families go to great lengths to voluntarily ask for child protective services to help, the child still doesn’t get it.

Family Looks For Answers After Foster Care Death
[KETV.com 4/29/11]

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