11-year-old Nevada boy with autism kept in metal cage at home; parents charged with child abuse

Nevada Couple Arrested for Child Abuse and Neglect

A Nevada couple were arrested on Tuesday after authorities discovered their 11-year-old son with autism being held in a metal cage, wearing only a diaper with feces smeared on the floor.

Wellness Check Requested by Clark County School District

Henderson police officers went to the boy’s home at 10:15 a.m. on Tuesday in response to a wellness check request from the Clark County School District. The district sought assistance with a “truancy issue” involving a student who had not been attending school.

Discovery of Metal Enclosure and Inhospitable Living Conditions

During their visit, the police officers discovered that the child was “being contained within a large metal enclosure.” Additionally, the residence was found to have “inhospitable living conditions.”

Arrest and Charges

Misty Scanlan, 46, and Jeffery Scanlan, 41, were arrested and each charged with a felony count of child abuse or neglect. As of now, neither of the Scanlans have provided any comments regarding the incident.

Truancy Officer’s Visit and Disturbing Sounds

Earlier in the day, a truancy officer had visited the Scanlan home to inquire about the boy. However, no one answered the door. The officer reported hearing a child screaming and a gate rattling inside.

Discovery of Metal Enclosure and Feces

When a Henderson police officer arrived later for a follow-up check, Jeffrey Scanlan answered the door and informed the officer that their children were sick. Upon entering the house, the officer saw the metal enclosure, which he described as similar to a jail cell, and a boy wearing “only a diaper.” The enclosure was also found to have feces on the floor.

Investigation and Disturbing Living Conditions

A Special Victims Unit detective arrived to conduct an investigation and a walk-through of the home. The detective described rooms with no furniture, trash strewn around, and feces on the walls and floors. Some rooms even had external locks preventing anyone inside from leaving.

Explanation by Jeffrey Scanlan

According to reports, Jeffrey Scanlan claimed that his child exhibited aggressive behavior due to a severe diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. He stated that the metal enclosure was used as a “semi-punitive measure when his behavior is out of control.”

Legal Proceedings

Court records indicate that the Scanlans posted bond on Wednesday and are scheduled to appear in court again in May.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
• SDG 4: Quality Education
• SDG 5: Gender Equality
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

The issues highlighted in the article, such as child abuse, neglect, and inhumane living conditions, are connected to multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These goals include ensuring good health and well-being (SDG 3), providing quality education (SDG 4), promoting gender equality (SDG 5), reducing inequalities (SDG 10), and establishing peace, justice, and strong institutions (SDG 16).

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 3.2: By 2030, end preventable deaths of newborns and children under 5 years of age
• Target 4.1: By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable, and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes
• Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation
• Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status
• Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against and torture of children

Based on the article’s content, the specific targets that can be identified include ending preventable deaths of children (Target 3.2), ensuring access to quality education (Target 4.1), eliminating violence against women and girls (Target 5.2), promoting social inclusion (Target 10.2), and ending abuse and violence against children (Target 16.2).

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

No, the article does not mention or imply any specific indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets.

The article does not provide information about specific indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. However, indicators related to child mortality rates, school attendance and completion rates, incidents of violence against women and girls, social inclusion measures, and child abuse and neglect statistics could be relevant for measuring progress towards these targets.

4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: nbcnews.com

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