How Could You? Hall of Shame-Shara Foster

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 Ozark, Missouri, foster mother Shara L. Foster “was indicted this month on felony child abuse charges after prosecutors say a child in her care suffered second-degree burns.

Shara L. Foster, 30, was arrested Monday on charges of child abuse and endangering the welfare of a child.

A grand jury indictment says Foster failed to remove a child’s hand from hot running water on Nov. 19 [2018] at her home south of the Ozark city limits, and the child suffered “serious physical injury” as a result.

Foster’s attorneys Joseph Passanise and Dee Wampler said in a statement the injuries were the result of an “unfortunate accident.”

The defense attorneys say the abuse allegation was investigated by the Missouri Department of Social Services, which concluded it was unsubstantiated.

Court records indicate Foster’s bond was initially set at $75,000, but she was released from jail after a judge lowered that amount to $10,000.

At the bond hearing, prosecutors say one of Foster’s attorneys told the judge the child’s injuries came from touching a malfunctioning water heater.

Prosecutors say that statement goes against prior statements made by Foster and her husband, so prosecutors filed a motion to have the water heater tested by a “qualified water heater technician.”

Court records indicate law enforcement also served a warrant at Foster’s home this week to seize her cellphone looking for messages Foster might have sent to others explaining how the injuries occurred.

Foster was arraigned Thursday and pleaded not guilty.

In their statement, Wampler and Passanise said Foster is looking forward to her day in court.

The attorneys say Foster has no prior criminal record and cares for her three children while also participating in the foster care system.”

Ozark foster mom indicted after child suffered second-degree burns

[Springfield News-Leader 3/21/19 by Harrison Keegan]

“Foster was released from jail on a $10,000 bond, and has pleaded not guilty

Her two foster children have been removed from Foster’s home, while her three biological children are allowed to remain with her.”

Christian County foster mom indicted on child abuse charges

[Kentucky 3 3/22/19 by Raquel Harrington]

According to the Missouri court case files, Shara will have a Disposition Hearing on July 25, 2019.

 

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