Babysitter charged with criminal neglect of South Australian toddler

A 18-year-old babysitter has been charged after a three-year-old suffered serious injuries at a home in Adelaide earlier this year.

Emergency services were called to a home in Hackham West on September 19 this year, where the child lived at the house with his family.

“The injuries included burns to the child’s body and head, facial injuries that included retinal haemorrhaging, internal injuries and spinal damage,” police said in a statement released today.

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Police said the boy was in hospital for treatment for two weeks and he “is still recovering from his injuries”.

Officers arrested an 18-year-old woman known to the family, who police said was babysitting the three-year-old and his younger brother on that date.

The woman was charged with aggravated cause serious harm with intent and criminal neglect.

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She will appear in the Christies Beach Magistrates Court on January 21 next year.

“The investigation is ongoing regarding further incidents of criminal neglect and assaults upon the boy,” police said.

Detectives believe the child was also assaulted by others at the home prior to the alleged incidents on September 19.

Both children are now under the care of the Department for Child Protection.

Police are appealing for information from the public, particularly anyone who may have visited the Hackham West home prior to September 20.

For support for people up to 25, call Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800.