The recent death of a child, allegedly at the hands of family members, has raised questions about what qualifies as corporal punishment or child torture. The child's mother and two brothers have been charged in the case.
The Chicago Tribune spoke to several experts for the story, including Professor Robin Fretwell Wilson, a family law expert. She spoke specifically about recent changes in the law.
In the past, charges might not have been filed against caregivers other than parents, according to Wilson.
However, child abuse laws have recently expanded to include other adults with caretaking relationships, such as siblings, Wilson said. This change acknowledges that other people than parents may have a significant role in a child’s life, and may have control over a child, she added.
Read the full story at chicagotribune.com.