Chapter 12 - THE CHILD-PROTECTION REVIEW
Because a six-week-old infant had been deliberately released above a fire pit, hospital staff made the appropriate child-safety report.
Not because Tessa was suspected.
Because the incident required review.
A social worker interviewed Tessa and Daniel separately.
Where would June live?
With both parents at their townhouse.
Did Eudora have access?
No.
Protective order requested.
Brielle?
No access.
Any reason to believe Daniel participated?
No current evidence.
Did Tessa feel safe with Daniel?
She paused.
Then:
“From him, yes. From his family, I’m not sure yet.”
Good answer.
The worker inspected the townhouse.
Bassinet.
Safe-sleep setup.
Formula backup.
Pump supplies.
Pediatric follow-up.
No problem.
No state removal.
No fantasy bureaucracy taking June because rich relatives fought.
The report recommended:
Strict separation from Eudora and Brielle pending criminal investigation.
Parents control access.
Follow-up with pediatrician.
Postpartum support for Tessa if she wanted.
She did.
Independent counselor.
May you like
Not because she was unstable.
Because someone had nearly thrown her newborn into fire.
