News

Tot on solo jaunt left babysitter's care

By Stacie N. Galang
Staff writer
Published: July 24, 2008

PEABODY — A 3-year-old found wandering on Irving Street Tuesday evening had apparently slipped out unnoticed by her baby sitter.

Police received a call at 6:45 p.m. from an Irving Street woman who found the girl unattended. The child was being watched at a home on Tanners Court, police Sgt. Richard Callahan said.

"The baby sitter didn't realize (the child) had opened the door," he said.

The police sergeant said the child was only three to four houses away and probably crossed abutting backyards to get to Irving Street.

Ana Weinberg said she was returning to her Irving Street home Tuesday when she spotted the child riding a scooter by herself.

"She was so small," Weinberg said.

She approached the child and asked for her name, but the child was unable to answer, Weinberg said. The girl didn't know her parents' names either. Weinberg said she had no alternative but to call police.

"What are you going to do?" she said. "I had to call for help."

Weinberg said she hoped everything turned out OK with the little girl.

Callahan said officers contacted the state after the child was reunited with her parents.

"They have expertise to see if something needs to be changed with the baby sitter," he said.

The Department of Children and Families, formerly the Department of Social Services, is investigating the incident, said spokeswoman Alison Goodwin. In the meantime, the child is still with the family, she said.

Goodwin said the agency received its report Tuesday and has 10 days to complete its investigation.

The outcome will depend on the severity of the circumstances, but could include offering services to the family or removal of the child.

"There's a whole slew of things that could happen," she said.