Seizures induced by cocaine gets baby and infant sibling in state custody

An 18-month-old baby hospitalized with strokes caused by cocaine will remain in state custody as will her 9-week-old sister on the order of a juvenile judge in west Georgia.Juvenile Court Judge Warner Kennon Senior in Columbus issued the ruling Wednesday after examining evidence from a Georgia Division of Family and Children Services representative.A criminal case is pending against the children’s mother, 19-year-old Amber Baxley and her 26-year-old boyfriend Jeremiah Linder. The two were arrested in April and charged with cruelty to children.

Police said Baxley’s child was hospitalized April 22 after having two seizures related to cocaine intoxication.Neither adult gave a clear answer about how cocaine got into the baby’s system during their hearing in Columbus Recorder’s Court. Kennon said the child is receiving shots for her seizures as well as occupational and speech therapy.

The baby has problems moving her limbs.Both children had been placed in state care at an initial hearing in late April. Kennon found Wednesday that no suitable relative was available to care for the children and that they would remain under state care in a foster home.D-FACS will develop a case plan, which will be presented to all parties involved. Kennon said it will address the issue of reunifying parent and children.