GASTON COUNTY, N.C. -- Experts from Least of These Carolinas, a group that helps foster children in Gaston County and works along with social services, says the death of 3-year-old Jordyn Dumont is a wake-up call for North Carolina and a red flag for the state laws we have on the books.
The Gaston County Department of Health and Human Services had been investigating the family; the case was opened-- then closed in May. Now a child is dead.
The call history for the child’s home is alarming-- reports show 16 police visits since the child moved there in November.
In May, records show an argument between two unrelated people who were there babysitting: “Reporting person was concerned for the children. No issues were discovered.” In June: "Biological father asked police to check in on her. No issues were discovered.”
And again, the same thing just days later.
DHHS released a statement saying the case was closed and the home was stable, but added these recommendations: the family should maintain a drug-free home and sober adult supervision for the children.
“People need to read statutes and DSS policies, Workers are only as strong as the laws are; the laws need to be changed. If there’s addiction in that home, maybe we need to look deeper,” said the Least of These Carolinas executive director.
The mother’s boyfriend has been charged with murder. Her autopsy showed she died from blunt force trauma.
There is a hotline if you know a child who needs help: (704) 862-7555. It's available 24-7. It is required by law to report child abuse.
