Gina Heslop
Being a single mother is tough, especially during hard times. Parents make different choices based on their unique situations, and it is important not to judge them. Unfortunately, one mother faced severe criticism for her decision, leading to legal trouble.
Melissa Shields Henderson, a single mother of five in Blairsville, Georgia, had to find a way to support her family during the pandemic. Her kids couldn’t go to school or daycare, and as a divorced single mom, she often had to make difficult decisions.
Melissa needed to work at a health spa in Blue Ridge, 23 miles from home. With no other options, she asked her 14-year-old daughter, Linley, to look after her four younger siblings. According to Georgia law, children aged 13 and older can be left alone to care for younger siblings for up to 12 hours, so Melissa thought her decision was reasonable.
While Melissa was at work and Linley was busy with remote learning, her four-year-old brother, Thaddeus, wandered off to play with a neighbor down the street. Linley noticed Thaddeus was missing within 10 to 15 minutes and quickly brought him back home safely. However, during that short time, a concerned neighbor had called the police.
When Melissa returned home, she was surprised to find the police waiting. They informed her about Thaddeus’s brief adventure. Melissa thought the issue was resolved, but two weeks later, she was arrested. She was handcuffed, taken to jail, and booked, which made her feel helpless and humiliated.
Her ex-husband managed to bail her out, but Melissa now faces a legal battle. If convicted, she could be sentenced to up to a year in prison and fined $1,000. This situation has caused her immense stress and uncertainty.
To help Melissa, a GoFundMe campaign has been set up to cover her legal expenses. Because of the fear of another arrest, she is currently working part-time, which affects her ability to fully provide for her children.
