Day Care Owner Charged With Assault

Day Care Owner Charged with Assault Sep 7 2005 12:00AM By By Phyllis Anne Guilmettte Sun Staff Writer

Jamie Garrett hopes that Julia Katina Watkins is never around children again. Garrett’s 5-month old son, Jake, spent the past week in and out of hospitals for bruises he allegedly got in Watkins’ care. Jake now suffers from shaken baby syndrome. Watkins, owner and operator of Tweet Tarts Day Care on Seay Street was arrested by Enterprise Police on Aug. 24 for allegedly assaulting Jake. She was charged with first-degree assault and was released later from Coffee County jail on a $20,000 bond. “It is an extremely painful experience,” said Garrett. “He is still in pain from the head injuries.” According to a family friend, Garrett was called to come to the day care on Aug. 17 and was told that Jake fell out of a bed. Garrett immediately brought Jake to Medical Center Enterprise. He was transferred to Flowers Hospital in Dothan and then to Children’s Hospital in Birmingham. Doctors there determined Jake suffers from shaken baby syndrome and that he did not fall. Jake was released from the hospital on Aug. 24, but was brought back to Flowers Hospital later that night because of complications. Jake returned home from the hospital on Aug. 28. “He is improving every day,” said Garrett. “It is going to take some time. He is still in pain.” Although he is home now, the ordeal has not been an easy road for the family. Jake is not sleeping through the night, because he is still suffering, said Garrett. Jake has a follow-up appointment this week and will need physical therapy. Shaken baby syndrome generally occurs when an infant is violently shaken on purpose or accidentally, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. This shaking can cause very serious brain injury, hemorrhaging, eye damage, spinal cord damage, paralysis, developmental delays and even death, according to the AAP. In milder cases, a child may not have any outward sign of bruising, but will be disorientated and have trouble focusing on objects, will throw up or cry incessantly. If Watkins is convicted, her license to operate a day care center can be suspended or revoked, said Captain Michael Lolley, public information officer for the Enterprise Police Department. In the meantime, Watkins cannot operate a day care center while out on bond, according to officials. "Who is monitoring her...? the licensing department that didn't do their job in the first place? Another mother, who wished to remain anonymous, said she had her 7-monthold at Tweet Tarts last year, when she noticed bruises on the infant’s leg. “She had fingerprint bruises on both her legs,” said the mother. The mother said she called the Department of Human Resources and was told there was nothing that could be done because she could not prove

anything. Lolley confirmed that a mother did report an incident to the DHR, who reported it to police. Lolley said DHR officials indicated the incident could not be connected to anyone at the day care center. It isn't the reporter's responsibility to "PROVE" anything, only to report suspicious events and it is the responsibility of the DHR to investigate. “I tried to get this prevented a year and a half ago,” said the mother. “I feel so sorry for the injured baby and his parents.” I can't imagine the grief and the guilt that this mother is experiencing with no support from the system that should be helping her..... The Garrett family appreciates the outpouring of support from the community, said family friend Hugh Meade. He said many people have made donations to the Garretts since learning of the incident and the expenses incurred because of it. Meade said the Garretts, who have three other children, have had traveling and lodging expenses since Aug. 17. He said the family appreciates all of the help and support. Anyone who would like to help can make contributions in the Garrett’s name at Realty Executives on Rucker Boulevard. “We just want everyone to continue praying for his recovery, said Garrett. “Keep us in your thoughts and prayers.”