Toledo, OHIO (WTVG) – A Toledo man is facing a felony charge of endangering children after his own daughter showed signs of possible abuse.
According to a police report, Michael Barclay was with the 2-month-old child this weekend, while the babies mother was at work.
The report says when the mother returned from work, she was giving the baby a bath and noticed the child’s leg was “hanging there, swollen.” She immediately called 911 and the child was taken to the hospital.
Court documents indicate the infant had a compound fracture to the femur and bruising on the back of the head.
Michael Barclay told police he did not know how the child got hurt. He has since been arrested and charged with endangering children. Barclay appeared before a Judge Monday, October 28 and a Judge set his bond at $50,0000.
13abc reached out the the mother of the infant and she tells us the baby is still in the hospital but is expected to recover. She also told 13abc she didn’t know what happened.
Meanwhile, this case serves as a reminder to all new parents to ask for help and take mental health breaks.
Dr. Christie Jenkins, is the CEO at the Family and Child Abuse Prevention Center. It is the only center in Northwest Ohio that treats the entire family across multiple platforms of abuse.
Dr. Jenkins says there were 4,000 cases of alleged child abuse last year in Toledo. The goal is prevention but they also offer counseling services to victims of abuse. The center works with victims of domestic violence as well.
While the details of this current child endangering case are still under investigation, it serves as a reminder to new parents to take a break and practice self care.
Jenkins says having a newborn can be overwhelming and is encouraging parents who might be feeling overwhelmed or angry to simply take a break.
Put the child in a safe spot and walk away. Give yourself 10 minutes to recharge and if it isn’t working reach out to family or friends for help.
If you need further help, reach out to the Family and Child Abuse Prevention Center.