Maryland social services chief says it’s ‘extremely important’ to report child abuse after recent deaths

BALTIMORE — Dr. Alger Studstill, executive director of the Maryland Department of Human Services, is encouraging witnesses to child abuse and neglect to report it to authorities.

Last week, three parents – two in Baltimore and one in Glen Burnie – were arrested after their young children were found unconscious in their homes and died.

“Reporting abuse in Maryland is extremely easy,” Studstill said. “We have a hotline that is open 24/7 and we have a number that anyone can contact at any time during the day. This number is 1800-91-prevent or 1-800 917 7383.”

Studstill says it is “extremely important” to take action in cases of suspected child abuse.

“It is very important that if anyone suspects a child is being abused or neglected, they say something,” Studstill said.

Bail hearing postponed again

Bernice Byrd, mother facing child abuse and neglect charges. death of her 5 year old daughterbond review hearing postponed for fourth time.

Bernice Byrd, 32, and the girl’s father, Gerald Byrd, 34, were arrested Oct. 14 after their daughter Zona Byrd was found dead in her bed, “icy and motionless,” according to police.

They are charged with child abuse resulting in death and multiple counts of second-degree child abuse and neglect.

Bernice Byrd is on suicide watch at the prison, which may explain the delay, authorities said.

Bernice Byrd will have her fifth bail hearing on Tuesday. Both parents have preliminary hearings scheduled for November.

Police described Zona as extremely malnourished and emaciated, with her ribs clearly visible due to lack of food.

Bernice Byrd and Gerald Byrd told police they couldn’t remember the last time their child ate or the last time they saw her alive.

Fentanyl in a child’s body

Last week Glen Burnie’s mother was arrested after fentanyl was found in the body about her 2-year-old child who died last month after being found face down on a futon inside the home