Day-Care Death

The decision not to press felony charges against the operators of the Tustin Day Care Home stirred up some very serious doubts concerning the judicial system in this county.

The very fact that the Brookses attempted to make the home secure proves to the thinking person that: They knew the regulations and that they did not comply with regulations researched for safety. Furthermore, this aborted attempt in no way absolves them of the responsibility in the death (of one) and near deaths of (two) children, whose safety should have been their concern.

I will concede there was no malicious intent on their part. But, I also believe there is no malicious intent on the part of a person who is drinking and kills another human being while behind the wheel of a car. Involuntary manslaughter has been charged in many such cases. The state regulations governing family day care were put in place after very careful study.

Some of these regulations took years to develop and are meant to protect the children committed to our care. The law was broken, lives destroyed, and yet (Deputy Dist. Atty. Thomas M.) Goethals would “take the easy way out.”

(Goethals filed a misdemeanor criminal complaint against Diane Brooks and her daughter, Carol Brooks, charging each with one count of violating the California Health and Safety Code that requires day-care providers to be licensed.)

Accidents happen in all professions. Child care is one profession (in which) we cannot allow the regulations to be flaunted. This tragedy and more like it will be the result. By pressing charges and proving the culpability of the people involved, the district attorney’s office could send a very strong message to the parents and children of Orange County.

MARY I. STRONG

Westminster