BOARDMAN, Ohio (WKBN) - Police say a foster parent is charged with child endangering after beating a child in her care with coat hangers and belts.
Police were informed of the abuse in March after suspicious marks were found on the child, according to a police report. Police said they were also informed that the child smelled like urine and feces and showed up to school in clothes that were soiled and were often too small.
The child was in the care of Cuyahoga County Children Services and was placed in a foster home under the care of Alfreda Atkins and her adult son, according to a police report.
Police said during their interview with the child, he reported that Atkins beats him with coat hangers and belts. He also reported that Atkins' other foster children beat him, but Atkins allows it to happen.
The boy and other children were removed from Atkins' care during the investigation.
Atkins appeared in court on Tuesday morning. Bond was posted at $2,500.
She's scheduled to appear in court again at 9 a.m. April 30 for a pretrial.
