Michigan mother who left son in Omaha identified

Wednesday, Oct 15, 2008 - 11:36:55 am CDT

OMAHA (AP) -- Court papers filed by the Douglas County Attorney’s Office have identified the Michigan mother who abandoned her son this week.

Terri Martin drove her 13-year-old son roughly 12 hours from Detroit, Mich., to leave him at Creighton University Medical Center in Omaha early Monday. State officials have said she heard about Nebraska’s unique safe-haven law through news reports.

The boy told authorities his mother is under high stress and could not deal with him anymore.

The court document filed in Douglas County Juvenile Court also says Martin failed to provide proper parental care and support for her son. For that reason, the county attorney’s office says the boy is at risk for harm.

The boy remains in the state’s custody.

He was the 18th child left under Nebraska’s safe-haven law since it took effect in July. He is the second child left from outside the state.

Nebraska’s law allows anyone to leave a child as old as 18 at a state-licensed hospital without fear of prosecution for the abandonment.

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rob g

Oct 15, 2008 7:47 PM

That was so easy she is on her way back to Michigan to try again! We will probably see her next kid a little sooner this time. My guess is that we will have a brand new 2 year old from Michigan in state custody in about 3 years!

this makes me suck

Oct 15, 2008 8:37 PM

These poor kids...OMG you can't just dump off your kid cause your having a stressful day.
Broke & homeless is one thing--but stress?? c'mon they have to do better than that.
I wished I could take them all in

reading

Oct 16, 2008 1:28 PM

From reading other articles in other newspapers, there is more to this story and neglect. I am glad that this boy is in state's custody. If he and his siblings are being neglected or abused I am glad he is out of that situation. Sounds like Michigan dept of social services needs to have been involved in this sooner. God bless this family!!