Two parents who were unable to control their autistic son decided to keep him in a cage, in an effort to restrict his violent outbursts. Anaheim, Calif. police arrested the parents last week after child protective services and police received a tip that the 11-year-old child was being imprisoned in a large dog kennel, according to the Los Angeles Times. The identities of the parents and the child have not been released, however, both are reportedly in their 30s. The parents have been charged with felony child endangerment and false imprisonment.
Child protective services officials and police inspected the home after receiving an anonymous tip. Inside they discovered the cage similar to that of a dog kennel. The enclosure, which is made of metal was big enough for the boy to fit inside comfortably. Parents placed a mattress and other amenities in the cage. Preliminary investigation has revealed that outbursts as a result of his autism caused the parents to have difficulty controlling and coping with him.
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Police are unsure the length of time the boy was housed in the cage. He has severe autism and was unable to communicate with arresting officials for an interview. No other signs of abuse or visible injuries were noted by arresting officers. He received medical attention at a local hospital as a precaution.
Officials also removed the boy’s younger brother and sister from the home. All three children have been taken into the custody of child protective services. Police are working on getting translators to interview the parents, who are of Vietnamese descent, to find out what guided their actions. Other family members and neighbors will be interviewed as well to gain insight into what took place in the home.