In a shocking incident, a toddler was found wandering alone outside in the cold while the babysitter, hired to care for the child, was reportedly passed out drunk inside the house.
This troubling situation happened in Brigantine, New Jersey, and was discovered when a concerned neighbor noticed the toddler crying and walking alone in the neighborhood. The story has raised serious questions about safety, responsibility, and the importance of background checks for babysitters.
Babysitter Found Unconscious After Consuming Alcohol
The incident unfolded when a neighbor saw the toddler walking outside in the bitter cold and immediately brought him inside. While on the phone with emergency services, the neighbor returned the child to his home, only to find the babysitter, 35-year-old Jena Davidson, unconscious on the floor.
Davidson smelled strongly of alcohol, and investigators later determined that she had consumed a significant amount of the family’s alcohol, which led to her being unresponsive.
The Discovery of the Child’s Neglect
The child’s parents were both at work at the time of the incident. Thankfully, the father noticed his son outside through a security camera app and alerted a neighbor.
The neighbor quickly found the toddler and returned him home, where she discovered the babysitter in her alarming state. Authorities were called, and it was revealed that Davidson had been drinking on the job, leaving the toddler in a dangerous situation.
Investigations and Consequences
Police found an empty shot bottle in Davidson’s bag and a coffee mug with alcohol on the kitchen counter. Davidson was rushed to the hospital for basic life support but was later charged with second-degree endangerment of a child.
The toddler was unharmed, and his neighbors made sure to care for him until his parents returned home. Investigators continue to probe the case to ensure that justice is served.
Babysitter’s Background and Service Ads
Davidson had advertised her babysitting services on two websites, Mom Trusted and Nanny Lane. Nanny Lane, a site known for connecting families with childcare providers, reported that Davidson had signed up for the service over a year ago, but had only used it briefly before quitting.
Despite her profile remaining active on the site, Davidson was banned from using Nanny Lane after the incident. The company emphasized that background checks are a standard part of their service to ensure the safety of children.
The Importance of Background Checks
This incident highlights the importance of thorough background checks when hiring babysitters. While the family had used a reliable service, the tragedy still occurred. Parents should be vigilant and ensure they choose the right person to look after their children, especially in situations where the babysitter may be left unsupervised or under the influence.
Conclusion
The story of the toddler wandering outside while his babysitter was passed out drunk serves as a reminder of the importance of hiring responsible childcare providers. The incident not only puts the child’s safety in jeopardy but also raises concerns about the effectiveness of background checks in preventing such situations.
Parents must remain vigilant, and babysitting services must continue to improve their screening processes to ensure that children are safe while in the care of others.
FAQs:
1. How did the babysitter end up unconscious? The babysitter consumed a significant amount of alcohol from the homeowner’s supplies, which caused her to pass out and become unresponsive.
2. Was the toddler hurt in this incident? No, the toddler was unharmed and was found crying but safe before being returned to his home.
3. What charges did the babysitter face? The babysitter, Jena Davidson, was charged with second-degree endangerment of a child.
4. How did the child’s parents find out about the situation? The father noticed his son outside through a Ring camera and quickly alerted a neighbor, who called 911.
5. Were background checks conducted on the babysitter? Yes, the babysitter had signed up on a site that recommended background checks, but the family didn’t fully verify her background before hiring her.
