Two Huntsville church daycare administrators placed on leave after former employee charged with child sex abuse – waff.com

Report on Child Abuse Incident at Huntsville Church Daycare

Incident Overview

On January 24, 2026, Cameron White, a 24-year-old former employee of the Trinity United Methodist Church Child Development Center in Huntsville, Alabama, was arrested on charges of sexual abuse of a child under 12 years old. The arrest followed allegations of inappropriate contact between White and a child, which were reported by the daycare officials to the Madison County Department of Human Resources (DHR).

Administrative Actions and Institutional Response

In response to the allegations, the Child Development Center’s Director, Sheryl Raddin, and Associate Director, Megan Tarin, were placed on administrative leave effective January 23, 2026. This action was taken to allow a thorough review of the center’s protocols, documentation, reporting, and communication procedures.

The oversight of the Child Development Center during this period has been assigned to Executive Pastor Rev. Carrie Jones and Classroom Success Coordinator Heather Atkinson. They are tasked with ensuring stability, continuity of care, and transparent communication with families.

Commitment to Child Safety and Community Support

• The Head Pastor, Rev. Dr. Dedric Cowser, emphasized the church’s commitment to the safety and well-being of the children and the entire Child Development Center community.
• Rev. Dr. Cowser expressed condolences and solidarity with affected families, highlighting the church’s dedication to addressing the situation with care, honesty, and compassion.
• Parents have been assured of ongoing prayers and support during this difficult time.

Legal Proceedings

Bart Siniard of Siniard Law, LLC, has filed a lawsuit against Cameron White, the Trinity Child Development Center, and Trinity United Methodist Church. The lawsuit alleges abuse and negligence in protecting the children and victims involved.

Emphasis on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

• The incident underscores the critical need for safeguarding children’s physical and mental health in educational and care settings.
• Ensuring child protection protocols aligns with promoting well-being and preventing abuse.

SDG 4: Quality Education

• Safe and supportive learning environments are essential for quality early childhood education.
• The administrative review aims to strengthen policies that protect children’s rights and foster secure educational spaces.

SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

• Timely legal action and transparent institutional responses contribute to justice and accountability.
• Strengthening child protection systems within institutions promotes peaceful and inclusive communities.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

• Collaboration between the church, legal authorities, and child welfare agencies exemplifies multi-stakeholder partnerships.
• Such cooperation is vital for effective prevention, response, and support mechanisms in cases of child abuse.

Conclusion

The case at the Trinity United Methodist Church Child Development Center highlights the importance of robust child protection measures in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The ongoing administrative and legal actions demonstrate a commitment to safeguarding children’s rights, ensuring justice, and fostering safe educational environments. Continued vigilance and cooperation among all stakeholders remain essential to uphold these goals and protect vulnerable populations.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Focus on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages, including protection from abuse and violence.
2. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • Ensuring safe and inclusive learning environments for children in educational settings such as daycare centers.
3. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Promoting peaceful and inclusive societies, access to justice, and building effective, accountable institutions, including child protection and legal accountability.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 3 Targets
   • Target 3.2: End preventable deaths of newborns and children under 5 years of age, which includes protection from harm and abuse.
   • Target 3.4: Promote mental health and well-being, including protection from violence and abuse.
2. SDG 4 Targets
   • Target 4.a: Build and upgrade education facilities that are child, disability and gender sensitive and provide safe, non-violent, inclusive and effective learning environments.
3. SDG 16 Targets
   • Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against and torture of children.
   • Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.
   • Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Indicators Related to SDG 3
   • Number of reported cases of child abuse and sexual abuse incidents in childcare settings.
   • Availability and implementation of protocols for child protection and well-being in daycare centers.
2. Indicators Related to SDG 4
   • Existence and enforcement of safety and child protection policies in educational and daycare institutions.
   • Parental and community communication and involvement in child safety measures.
3. Indicators Related to SDG 16
   • Number of legal actions and lawsuits filed related to child abuse cases.
   • Administrative actions taken against individuals and institutions failing to protect children (e.g., placing administrators on leave).
   • Effectiveness of reporting and communication procedures in handling abuse allegations.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: waff.com