TXKToday.com: Additional charges for couple accused of horrific child abuse, years of neglect

More Criminal Charges Filed Against Couple Accused of Child Abuse

Introduction

TEXARKANA — More criminal charges have been levied against a husband and wife facing allegations that they sexually and physically abused at least six young children over a period of years.

Background

Cody Blake Barnes, 32, and his wife, Brittany Michelle Barnes, 32, have been in Bowie County, Texas custody for more than a year, jail records show. Cody Barnes is accused of sexually molesting multiple children, some his biological and some who were Brittany Barnes’ from a prior relationship, according to court records.

SDGs and Child Protection

These heinous acts of child abuse directly violate the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions. SDG 16 aims to promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all, and build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels.

Failure to Protect

According to a notice filed in Cody Barnes’ case by First Assistant District Attorney Kelley Crisp, Brittany Barnes was well aware that her children were being sexually victimized by her husband, and that rather than take steps to protect them, told them to keep silent.

Current Charges and Bail

Cody Barnes is currently being held on bails totaling $600,000 while Brittany Barnes’ bails total $200,000. However, bail has not been set on new charges listed in indictments handed up Thursday, October 10, 2024.

Living Conditions and Neglect

The couple allegedly allowed the large group of young children in their care to live in squalor in a New Boston, Texas, trailer that was infested with bed bugs, lice and vermin. School officials and others who came into contact with the youth living with the Barneses repeatedly reported the physical neglect to Child Protective Services, according to the notice in Cody Barnes’ case, which mentions reports dating back to at least 2016.

Termination of Parental Rights

The parental rights of the Barnes have been terminated through civil proceedings in Bowie County, court records show. Through various pseudonyms, eight children are listed in the court records as having suffered while in the couple’s custody. While their ages are not all identified, some are described in records as being ages 8 years, 6 years, 3 years, a toddler, and a baby.

Outcries of Sexual Abuse

After the children had been removed for a months-long period, they began to make outcries of sexual abuse, including that Brittany and Cody Barnes allegedly had sex in front of them, according to court records.

Conclusion

It is crucial to address and prevent child abuse to ensure the well-being and safety of children. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a framework for promoting justice, protecting children, and building strong institutions. By working towards achieving SDG 16, we can create a world where children are safe, protected, and given the opportunity to thrive.

Source

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SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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

• SDG 5: Gender Equality
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
• SDG 4: Quality Education
• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
• SDG 1: No Poverty
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

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

• Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres
• Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against children
• Target 4.1: Ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable, and quality primary and secondary education
• Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being
• 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
• 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

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.

4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: magnoliareporter.com