A toddler believed to be between 2 and 4 years old was found wandering alone yesterday afternoon in Southgate, wearing only a diaper. Officers said they encountered the child at about 4:15 p.m. in the Fort Street and Netherwood area and were unable to communicate with him. Child Protective Services has been notified, and the child is currently being cared for at the Southgate Police Department while officers work to identify his parents or guardians.
What police say
As reported by WXYZ, officers canvassed the surrounding neighborhood after finding the boy but could not locate anyone who recognized him. Police also said they have not received any missing-person reports that match the toddler's description and are urging anyone with information to contact Southgate police immediately. The station's report notes that the child was discovered near Fort Street and Netherwood at about 4:15 p.m.
Child-protection process
Child Protective Services is already involved in the case. Under Michigan procedures, CPS Central Intake screens reports and, if needed, opens an investigation and connects families with services, according to the state's Office of the Child Advocate. Mandated reporters are required to make an immediate verbal report to MDHHS Central Intake at 1-855-444-3911 and then file a written report within 72 hours, the Michigan Office of the Child Advocate explains. Police and CPS typically coordinate in situations like this to secure a found child's immediate safety while they work to identify caregivers.
Similar cases and consequences
Incidents like this can, in some situations, lead to criminal neglect investigations. For example, prosecutors in Janesville charged two parents after a 2-year-old was found wandering in a soiled diaper, according to WMTV. Cases like that illustrate how a welfare check can quickly broaden into a longer probe when officers or medical personnel discover signs of possible neglect. Officials emphasize that every case is evaluated individually based on the specific facts.
How to help
Southgate police are asking anyone who recognizes the child, or who may have dash-cam, doorbell, or other neighborhood footage from the Fort Street and Netherwood area on Monday, to contact the department, WXYZ reports. Residents who suspect a child is in danger are urged to contact local law enforcement or MDHHS Central Intake at the number listed above. Police say community tips can be crucial to reuniting a child with family quickly and are asking anyone with information to call Southgate police.
