News Summary
Shreveport is facing troubling child abuse cases highlighting the urgent need for awareness and prevention. Two women were arrested for child neglect and cruelty, prompting community leaders to address these serious issues and promote involvement.
Shreveport Rocks the Community with Recent Child Abuse Cases
Shreveport is once again in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons as two separate child abuse cases unfold, sending shockwaves through the community. On March 26, 2024, police arrested two women involved in disturbing incidents that highlight the pressing need for awareness and prevention efforts surrounding child abuse.
Mother in Hot Water for Child Neglect
The first case involves Nicole Frederick, a mother whose actions led to her arrest for child neglect. The incident began when a concerned 10-year-old boy contacted the authorities after his mother left home around 5 p.m. and never returned. Feeling scared and alone, the young boy didn’t know what to do, so he reached out for help.
When police officers arrived at their home located in the 3400 block of Clark Boulevard, they attempted to contact Frederick using the details provided by her son. However, attempts to reach her were unsuccessful. Reports revealed that Frederick had told her boy she was merely running errands, but it quickly became clear she was not coming back. Alarmingly, this boy was not even enrolled in school, raising major red flags.
Following the investigation, the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) was brought in to assess the situation. Once officers managed to locate Frederick, she was taken into custody for neglect of family. This case showcases the importance of keeping an eye on children’s well-being and education.
Foster Mother’s Alleged Cruelty Shocks Community
Meanwhile, another shocking incident involves Lisa Pittman, a foster mother who was arrested a day later on March 27 for her alleged cruelty to a juvenile. The unsettling tale began on March 9, when police were alerted about a 15-year-old runaway. Thankfully, the teenager was found safe at a local hospital, but what he revealed next was heart-wrenching.
While being treated, the teen disclosed harrowing allegations against Pittman. He claimed that he was forced to sleep on a dog mat or yoga mat, in unthinkable living conditions. To make matters worse, it was reported that the teen was denied access to a proper bathroom. Instead, he had to resort to using a mop bucket outside, a shocking detail that caught the attention of authorities.
Recognizing the severity of the situation, medical staff decided to admit the teenager for his safety. Shortly after, DCFS investigators sprang into action and removed three additional foster children from Pittman’s home. During forensic interviews, other children corroborated the teen’s claims, pointing to a pattern of physical abuse and neglect. Unsurprisingly, this information led to Pittman’s arrest on charges of cruelty to a juvenile.
Community Involvement and Awareness
In the wake of these alarming incidents, community leaders have stepped up to address child abuse awareness. A free event titled “Here for the Hurt Lunch & Learn” is set to take place at the St. Mary Medical Center Community Center in Shreveport in the upcoming week. This engaging panel discussion aims to shed light on the impact of child abuse, explore prevention strategies, and promote community involvement opportunities.
The numbers tell a staggering story. In 2024, the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services recorded over 51,000 reports of child abuse or neglect, leading to more than 26,000 investigations. This lays bare the scale of the issue and reaffirms the urgent call to action for everyone involved—families, community leaders, and concerned citizens alike.
Organizations like the Gingerbread House provide crucial services such as forensic interviews, therapy, and educational resources to help victims of suspected child abuse. Partnering organizations, including Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport, are also joining the movement in raising awareness about the importance of protecting our most vulnerable members of society: our children.
As Shreveport grapples with these distressing cases, the hope remains strong within the community. By standing united and addressing these issues head-on, everyone can play a part in ensuring that children are safe, healthy, and given the love they deserve.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Shreveport Parents Arrested After Abandoning 15-Year-Old Daughter
Disciplinary Practices Under Scrutiny After Child Abuse Case
Shreveport Police Take Action Against Child Neglect and Abuse
Shreveport Police Make Arrests in Disturbing Child Rape Cases
Mahmoud Khalil Faces Deportation Hearing Amid Activism
Shreveport Police Search for Sex Offenders Targeting Minors
Shreveport Community Rallies to Find Missing Teen
Shreveport Police Arrest Two in Disturbing Domestic Violence Cases
Two Women Arrested for Allegedly Deserting Child in Shreveport
Shreveport Community Faces Domestic Violence Concerns Involving Law Enforcement
Additional Resources
- KSLA: 2 Shreveport Women Arrested for Child Abuse Cases
- KTBS: Here for the Hurt Event to Address Child Abuse
- KTAL: Shreveport Gingerbread House on Spotting & Reporting Neglect
- WGNO: Shreveport Police Department Raising Awareness About Child Abuse
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Child Abuse
