Kankakee County, IL – A father has been arrested after his adopted teenager was left at a hospital for more than a week following a psychological evaluation. The 13-year-old was initially admitted to the hospital for behavioral issues that necessitated a professional assessment. After the evaluation, when the hospital deemed the teenager ready for discharge, the parents were contacted to pick up their child.
According to Bourbonnais police, the parents expressed fears for their personal safety and subsequently refused to retrieve their child from the hospital. This decision led to the teenager remaining unattended in the hospital for over eight days. Efforts to involve state social services in providing support for the family did not materialize, leaving local authorities in a challenging position.
As the situation continued without resolution, police were compelled to take legal action. The subsequent investigation and the lack of family intervention prompted the arrest of the father on charges of child abandonment Tuesday. This case has brought to light significant issues regarding family safety, child welfare, and the responsibilities of guardians in managing complex behavioral health situations.
No further detail surrounding the case have been released at this time.
