Two individuals are facing neglect charges after allegedly refusing to pick up their 13-year-old child from the hospital, according to police reports. The incident unfolded at St. Vincent Hospital, where authorities were called just before 2 a.m. on Sunday.
The parents, identified as 41-year-old Jeffery Scheda and 36-year-old Amanda Osmon, were contacted multiple times about retrieving their child but failed to do so. The situation began when a social worker attempted to reach the child’s stepfather, Scheda, around 7 p.m. on Saturday after the child’s mother, Osmon, did not answer her phone, told CBS42.
The teenager had been admitted to the hospital for a mental health evaluation following a fight with Osmon. According to the Evansville Police Department (EPD), Scheda hung up on the social worker after being instructed to have Osmon contact her.
An hour later, Osmon reportedly called the social worker but became agitated during the conversation. The social worker told police that Osmon cursed at her and said, “I’m not dealing with this [expletive] tonight.” The social worker also noted that both parents appeared to be intoxicated during the phone call.
When police arrived at the parents’ home, Scheda and Osmon admitted to drinking and passing out while their child remained at the hospital. They claimed they believed the child would be admitted for a mental health evaluation, as had happened during a previous incident.
However, officers determined that the parents had lied about their conversations with the social workers, leading to their arrest. Both Scheda and Osmon now face neglect charges for their failure to care for their child. The case highlights the serious consequences of parental neglect, particularly when it involves vulnerable minors in need of support.
The incident has sparked discussions about the responsibilities of parents and the role of social workers in ensuring the well-being of children. Authorities emphasized the importance of addressing mental health concerns and providing appropriate care for minors, especially in situations where family dynamics may be strained.
As the legal process unfolds, the case serves as a reminder of the critical need for accountability and intervention in situations where children’s safety and well-being are at risk. The parents are expected to appear in court to face the charges, while the child remains in the care of social services.