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Photo Courtesy Houston ABC Local
Every person deserves equal
protection under the law. Our state and federal constitutions were crafted to
allow innocence until proven guilty and a fair set of consequences for those
whose guilt is confirmed. So while we must strive for this treatment for everyone,
it is hard to argue that children do not particularly deserve our protection
from harm. These most innocent among us are often unable to defend themselves
and need us to keep them safe. Unfortunately, sometimes this means keeping boys
and girls safe from their own families.
A couple in Fort Worth, Texas,
Jorge and Aide Estrella, have been arrested for keeping their nine-year-old son
locked
in a closet for several days. The boy was fed once only daily, was not
allowed to go to school and when he finally escaped, investigators found other
signs of abuse on his body. Overall, the boy stated the abuse had been
occurring for at least a year. The alleged acts of abuse include being struck
with a Taser, hit
with a hanger and burned on a gas stove. The Estrellas, who are the boy’s
father and stepmother, now face multiple charges of injury to a child.
This heartbreaking story joins
many others we have heard of young children in Texas who face horror at home
instead of love and protection. The hardworking professionals at the state’s Child Protective
Services have caseloads that would overwhelm and upset any person with a
heart for children.
In addition to educators and
those in social services, attorneys have a role to play in protecting kids in
Texas. We can appeal to the court to get children
out of dangerous situations and to make it a violation of law for perpetrators
to come anywhere near them. If you are concerned about a child in your family,
please contact our offices today. We will
listen and then we will get to work in helping you protect those you love.
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