Medical clearance? I asked as I paused at the door of Room 7. Inside, a social worker from Child Protective Services was watching over two small children. The boy wore only a man’s plaid shirt; the girl was dressed in a filthy white jumper. Someone must have reported these children for suspected child endangerment. They were here in the emergency room for a brief physical exam.
Is it for neglect or abuse? I asked.
Neglect, we think, the social worker replied. Mom left them at a bus stop.
Said she’d come back, but she never did. The worker reached out toward the girl. Now, here is Tonya. She’s four. And this is Raymond. He’s two.
Raymond stood gazing up at me, one hand gripping the social worker’s pants. He looked as if he would never let go. I pulled his shirt open and examined his chest and back, looking for ...
