Child protection services failed in Janiya Thomas case

The Rev. Bill Bailey, right, of Happy Gospel Church, holds a candle as he speaks to the crowd during an emotional candlelight vigil Sunday night for Janiya Thomas, the 11-year-old girl whose body may have been found in a freezer eight days ago. The vigil was held in the 5000 block of 21st Way East in Manatee County and was organized by Palmetto resident Wayne Washington who has vowed not to let Janiya be forgotten.
RICHARD DYMOND/Bradenton Herald — The Rev. Bill Bailey, right, of Happy Gospel Church, holds a candle as he speaks to the crowd during an emotional candlelight vigil Sunday night for Janiya Thomas, the 11-year-old girl whose body may have been found in a freezer eight days ago. The vigil was held in the 5000 block of 21st Way East in Manatee County and was organized by Palmetto resident Wayne Washington who has vowed not to let Janiya be forgotten. RICHARD DYMOND/Bradenton Herald

Did Janiya ever have a happy day? Janiya didn't ask to be born.

But when she was born, she was born with several rights: the right to be nurtured, the right to have justice, the right to an education, etc. Janiya was denied all these rights due to a medical condition.

Janiya lived in a busy town on one of the busiest streets. Her home was a bathroom where she lived as a prisoner. She was punished due to her medical condition; she had no control of her digestive system and soiled herself, without knowing it, frequently.

Do you think this frail little girl with the wan smile enjoyed this? Did she ever have a birthday? Was her gift another roll of toilet paper?

We send help to underdeveloped countries because we are a caring nation.

Recently when the dog, Padi, was going to be euthanized, a crowd packed the commissioners' chambers. Was Janiya living or dead at this time?

We have to demand accountability in our justice system in regards to our children. I don't think we've ever had enough social workers and the need is greater now. Someone dropped the ball on the Janiya Thomas case. The result is that Janiya Thomas is not only dead but suffered a horrific death.

Janiya is at peace at last.

Jane Gattuso

Palmetto

This story was originally published October 27, 2015 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Child protection services failed in Janiya Thomas case ."

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