Springfield couple arrested facing child neglect charges

Springfield Couple Arrested for Child Neglect

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – On Tuesday, a Springfield couple was arrested following child neglect.

Discovery of the Children

At around 8 a.m., a Bayway Transit driver discovered a 2-year-old boy walking alone near East 3rd Street and Bob Little Road, according to authorities. Following the ‘Safe Place’ protocol, employees took the boy to the Panama City Police Department.

The Springfield Police Department received reports from passengers who saw another child alone. Bayway workers found a 4-year-old girl in the same area about an hour later. At approximately 9:45 a.m., officers located the home where the children lived.

Unsanitary Conditions and Safety Hazards

The Springfield Police Department expressed concern over the unsanitary conditions of the residence and observed multiple safety hazards. A search warrant was obtained, and a thorough search of the home was conducted.

Custody of the Children

Both children were found to be in good health and were placed in the custody of the Department of Children and Families.

Arrest and Charges

As a result of the investigation, 27-year-old Nicole Marie Smith and 31-year-old Douglas James Bickelman were arrested and charged with child neglect. Both individuals were transported to the Bay County Jail to await their first appearances.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis

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

• SDG 1: No Poverty – The article highlights child neglect, which can be connected to poverty and lack of resources.
• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – The article mentions the unsanitary conditions of the residence, which can impact the health and well-being of the children.
• SDG 4: Quality Education – Although not explicitly mentioned in the article, child neglect can hinder a child’s access to quality education.
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – Child neglect can be seen as a form of inequality, as it affects the well-being and opportunities of children.
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – The arrest of the couple for child neglect relates to the need for strong institutions to protect children’s rights.

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

• Target 1.2: By 2030, reduce at least by half the proportion of men, women, and children of all ages living in poverty in all its dimensions according to national definitions – This target is relevant as child neglect can be connected to poverty.
• Target 3.2: By 2030, end preventable deaths of newborns and children under 5 years of age, with all countries aiming to reduce neonatal mortality to at least as low as 12 per 1,000 live births and under-5 mortality to at least as low as 25 per 1,000 live births – Although not directly mentioned in the article, child neglect can have negative impacts on a child’s health and well-being.
• 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 – Child neglect can hinder a child’s access to education, impacting the achievement of this target.
• 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 – Child neglect can be seen as a form of inequality and hinder the inclusion of children.
• Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against and torture of children – Child neglect can be considered a form of abuse and exploitation, making this target relevant.

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

• Indicator 1.2.1: Proportion of population living below the national poverty line, by sex and age – This indicator can be used to measure progress towards reducing poverty, which is connected to child neglect.
• Indicator 3.2.1: Under-five mortality rate – Although not directly mentioned in the article, monitoring the under-five mortality rate can provide insights into the overall well-being of children.
• Indicator 4.1.1: Proportion of children and young people (a) in grades 2/3; (b) at the end of primary; and (c) at the end of lower secondary achieving at least a minimum proficiency level in (i) reading and (ii) mathematics, by sex – This indicator can be used to assess the impact of child neglect on a child’s educational outcomes.
• Indicator 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50 percent of median income, by age, sex, and persons with disabilities – This indicator can help measure progress towards reducing inequalities, including the impact of child neglect on children’s well-being.
• Indicator 16.2.2: Number of victims of human trafficking per 100,000 population, by sex, age group, and form of exploitation – Although not directly mentioned in the article, child neglect can increase the vulnerability of children to exploitation and trafficking.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table