A heartbreaking case involving a 9-year-old autistic boy found with his hands tied behind his back at a Mississippi child care center has drawn national outrage. The boy’s mother, shaken by the disturbing scene, says she intends to sue the facility for negligence and emotional trauma.
The incident took place at Daycare In The Park, a child care center in Jackson, Mississippi. According to reports, the boy was discovered bound with zip ties and seated in a corner, unresponsive and emotionally distressed. The mother, who had arrived to pick up her son earlier than usual, was horrified by what she saw.
Mother Describes Horrific Scene at Daycare
The mother, whose name is being withheld to protect the child’s privacy, said her son “looked lifeless” when she found him.
“He appeared dead to me,” she said in an emotional interview. “His hands were tied behind his back with zip ties, and no one even noticed I had walked in.”
She immediately called 911, and police responded to the scene. According to law enforcement, an investigation is underway into the use of restraints and potential violations of child protection laws.
The mother added that her son, who is nonverbal and diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, has since shown signs of increased anxiety and fear. “He’s traumatized. Every time he sees someone in a uniform now, he hides,” she said.
The disturbing incident has fueled discussions about proper training for child care providers and the legal limits of restraint for children with disabilities.
Legal Action Against the Child Care Center
The family has retained legal counsel and is preparing to file a civil lawsuit against the facility for emotional distress, negligence, and unlawful restraint. The attorney representing the family, Marcus Harris, said the center violated several state and federal laws designed to protect children with disabilities.
“This is not just a case of poor judgment — this is abuse,” Harris said. “There are specific federal protections in place for children with special needs, and they were clearly ignored in this case.”
According to Mississippi’s Department of Child Protection Services, there are strict regulations regarding the restraint of children in licensed child care facilities. Physical restraints are only permitted when there is an imminent threat of harm, and even then, they must be performed using approved techniques by trained personnel.
The attorney also stated they are exploring whether the daycare violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in public services and facilities.
Facility Under Investigation, License at Risk
Daycare In The Park has come under immediate scrutiny from local authorities and child welfare agencies. Investigators from the Mississippi Department of Health have visited the facility and are conducting interviews with staff and parents.
A spokesperson from the agency confirmed that the daycare’s license could be suspended or revoked depending on the outcome of the investigation.
“The safety of children is our top priority. If any violation of child care licensing standards is found, we will take swift and appropriate action,” the spokesperson said.
Parents whose children attend the facility have expressed concern and are now reevaluating their child care options. “I trusted this place with my child, but now I’m afraid to leave him anywhere,” one parent told local media.
National Spotlight on Disability Rights in Child Care
The case has reignited national conversation about the treatment of children with autism and other disabilities in educational and care settings. Experts in the field emphasize the importance of proper training for caregivers, especially when working with nonverbal or neurodivergent children.
Dr. Elaine Morris, a child psychologist specializing in autism spectrum disorders, says incidents like this are far too common and often go unreported.
“Children who can’t communicate are at higher risk of abuse because they can’t tell anyone what’s happening,” Dr. Morris explained. “That’s why proper oversight and specialized training are essential.”
Organizations advocating for disability rights are also speaking out. The Autism Society of America issued a statement calling for federal oversight and mandatory training programs for all child care professionals working with children on the spectrum.
Community Outrage and Calls for Reform
The community has rallied around the mother, offering support through online fundraisers and public forums demanding accountability. Local leaders have called for increased funding for child care regulation enforcement and better training standards statewide.
As the investigation continues and legal proceedings move forward, the mother says her primary goal is justice — not just for her son, but for other vulnerable children who might face similar abuse.
“I can’t undo what happened to my child,” she said, “but I can make sure it doesn’t happen to anyone else’s.”
For more information about the laws regarding child restraint in care centers, visit the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
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