How Could You? Hall of Shame-Alfreda Atkins

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 Boardman Township,Ohio, foster parent Alfreda Atkins,63, “faces two counts of child endangering for allegedly beating and failing to properly care for a child living at her foster home.”

“It was reported that a child had several suspicious marks and other signs of possible abuse and neglect.

The report does not give the age or gender of the child who was placed in foster care by Cuyahoga County Children Services since September.

A witness called police saying the child often smelled like urine and feces, exhibited poor oral hygiene, and came to school in clothes that were soiled and often too small.

The child, who had several bruises, welts, and other marks, told police that Atkins often administers beatings using coat hangers and belts. In addition, the child says other foster children under Atkins care administer beatings and Atkins does nothing to stop it.

The child still wears pull ups training pants constantly and has not been toilet trained by Atkins, according to the police report.

Atkins’ adult son, who lives at the home in the Boardman’s Glen neighborhood, is not supposed to be at the foster home because of what police describe as a lengthy criminal record.

The child, as well as the other children in the foster home, have been removed by officials from Children Services.

A hearing is scheduled in Mahoning County Court for Atkins to answer the charges.”

Boardman foster parent charged with child endangering

[WFMJ 4/9/19 by Mike Gauntner]

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