Parents send their young children to daycares nationwide, trusting them to protect, nurture, and teach their babies. Daycares are vital to working parents to provide financial stability in their families’ lives, while children learn valuable social skills and prepare them for higher education.
Unfortunately, not all daycares are staffed by safe adults, and an alarming number of children are victims of abuse in daycares every year. While this is an uncomfortable topic, it's one that all parents and daycare providers should be able to speak plainly about so that preventive measures can be discussed and abuse can be reported. If you have any inclination to suspect that your child is a victim of abuse, call an experienced child injury lawyer to get justice for their suffering.
Understanding the Scope of Daycare Abuse in Baltimore
According to recent data from Maryland’s Department of Human Services, Baltimore experiences hundreds of child maltreatment investigations yearly, with physical and sexual abuse among the leading concerns in childcare settings. In 2023, Baltimore City accounted for a significant portion of reported child abuse cases statewide. These cases underscore the urgent need for vigilance and preventive efforts by parents and care providers alike.
Recent Daycare Abuse Cases in Maryland
Maryland has recently seen high-profile daycare abuse cases that have deeply shocked parents and providers and reignited vital conversations about child safety and accountability in childcare facilities.
One of the most unsettling cases involved a former Baltimore City police officer, James Weems Jr., who was sentenced to life in prison in April 2025 after being found guilty of sexually abusing children at the Lil Kidz Kastle daycare center in Owings Mills, Maryland. This facility was owned by his estranged wife, Shanteari Young. Court records revealed that Weems abused multiple children, including a 10-year-old victim, inside the daycare and even admitted to watching pornography while driving the daycare van used to transport children.
In a dramatic and tragic turn, Young had shot Weems in 2022 after discovering his abuse of children at the daycare. She was sentenced to prison for the shooting but has since been released to a halfway house as of mid-2025. Throughout the trial, Young testified against Weems and expressed no remorse for confronting him, stating her actions were meant to protect the children.
This case reflects both the grave risks children face from trusted caregivers and the extreme measures some parents feel forced to take to safeguard their kids. The abuse victims in this case continue to face emotional trauma and lifelong consequences.
The Weems case is a stark reminder of the vulnerability of our youngest children and the devastating impact daycare abuse can have on families. If you suspect your child has been harmed in a daycare setting, it is critical to seek immediate medical care and legal counsel to protect their rights and hold responsible parties accountable.
The Importance of Safe Daycare
Parents leave their young babies in what they hope is trustworthy and caring hands while they return to work. It takes a village to raise well-rounded little ones, but safe villages truly bring parents peace of mind.
Adequate safety and security extends into nearly all aspects of a daycare facility, including furniture, first aid, nutrition, and cleanliness. Safety shouldn’t be about the workers caring for the children, but unfortunately, they are. The tragedy of childcare abuse can leave children facing a lifetime of treatment, therapy, or even surgeries. They may have significant physical and emotional trauma that they will face for years.
Prevention Starts Before Enrollment
Parents can proactively reduce risks by researching prospective daycare centers thoroughly:
- Verify licensing status and review inspection reports available through Maryland’s Office of Child Care.
- Ask about staff screening procedures, training on child abuse recognition and prevention, and supervisory ratios.
- Seek testimonials from other parents and, if possible, observe the facility in operation.
Types of Abuse to Watch For
Daycare abuse can come in many forms, and sometimes the abuse isn’t always evident or your child doesn’t know that these horrific acts are wrong yet. Daycare abuse isn’t always physical violence and can also be about any mental or emotional trauma that they suffer throughout the day. Stay vigilant for early warning signs of daycare abuse, and you will be able to remove your child from a potentially traumatic daycare as soon as possible.
Daycare abuse encompasses various forms, many of which are not always visible to parents or caregivers:
- Physical Abuse: Visible signs such as bruises, cuts, broken bones, or unexplained injuries are alarming red flags. For infants and toddlers who cannot verbalize pain, these injuries may be the only warning signs.
- Sexual Abuse: This includes inappropriate touching or behavior. Physical symptoms can include genital pain or bruising, while behavioral changes may involve sudden bedwetting, fearfulness, or sexualized behavior beyond their developmental stage.
- Emotional and Psychological Abuse: Often overlooked, this can manifest as withdrawal, reluctance to attend daycare, mood swings, or regression in developmental milestones.
- Neglect: Failing to provide adequate food, hygiene, supervision, or medical care can cause serious harm and is a legally recognized form of abuse.
The premises liability attorneys at Schlachman, Belsky, Weiner & Davey, P.A., advocate for injured children and work hard to protect victim’s rights and privacy in these sensitive cases.
What to Do if You Suspect Daycare Abuse
The unfortunate reality that we as parents need to discuss is that abuse and mistreatment can take place in any childcare setting and are probably more common than we think. While most daycares are perfectly safe and care for children to the best of their ability, it can happen anywhere at any time. If you suspect that your child may be a victim of abuse, you must act quickly and thoughtfully.
If you suspect abuse, quick and thoughtful action can make a critical difference:
- Seek Medical Attention Immediately: A thorough medical exam documents injuries and ensures your child's health.
- Report to Authorities: Contact Baltimore City’s Child Protective Services or the Maryland Department of Social Services. Reporting is mandatory for suspected child abuse.
- Notify the Daycare: Inform the director or management to prompt any internal investigations.
- Document Everything: Keep detailed notes of observations, communications, photos, and medical reports.
- Consult a Child Injury Lawyer: Experienced attorneys can guide families through reporting, investigation, and potential legal claims while protecting children’s privacy and rights.
How a Baltimore Child Injury Lawyer Can Help
Maryland laws impose strict obligations on daycare providers, including licensing, safety standards, and mandatory reporting. When abuse occurs, civil lawsuits allow families to seek compensation for medical expenses, therapy costs, emotional distress, and long-term care necessities.
A skilled Baltimore child injury lawyer understands the complexity of these cases—from negotiating with daycare operators and insurers to gathering evidence and advocating fiercely on behalf of young victims in court.
Why Choose Schlachman, Belsky, Weiner & Davey, P.A.?
Parents have the legal right to file lawsuits against the responsible parties, and obtaining the appropriate and experienced legal representation is essential to ensure that all parties are held accountable for any injuries the child has suffered.
Contact our Baltimore personal injury lawyers if you suspect that your child has suffered abuse at their daycare. Our goal is to give children a voice in court and seek a verdict or settlement to compensate them for their suffering. Give us a call at (410) 658-2022 or visit us online to protect your children.
