Terra Alta couple arrested for child abuse in bed bug-infested apartment – WDTV 5

Report on Child Neglect Case in Terra Alta, WV: An Analysis Through the Lens of Sustainable Development Goals

1.0 Executive Summary

This report details a case of severe child neglect in Terra Alta, West Virginia, involving the arrest of John Andrews Jr. and Rita Andrews. The incident highlights critical failures in achieving several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those concerning poverty, hunger, health, safe housing, and justice for children.

2.0 Incident Overview and Violation of SDG 16

Authorities from the Preston County Sheriff’s Office and Child Protective Services (CPS) intervened at a residence in Terra Alta, leading to the arrest of two adults on charges of child abuse and gross neglect. This action directly addresses SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), specifically Target 16.2, which aims to end abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against and torture of children.

• Subjects: John Andrews Jr., 45, and Rita Andrews, 42.
• Charges: Three counts of child abuse or gross neglect by a parent.
• Institutional Action: A joint operation by CPS and law enforcement, demonstrating the function of institutions in protecting vulnerable populations.

3.0 Analysis of Core SDG Deficiencies

The conditions discovered at the residence reveal a multifaceted crisis that intersects with several key SDGs.

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger & SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

   The physical state of the children and parents points to severe deficiencies in nutrition and health.

   • Child Malnutrition (SDG 2): The children were observed to be “very thin,” a primary indicator of food insecurity and a failure to achieve Target 2.2 (end all forms of malnutrition).
   • Compromised Health (SDG 3): The parents exhibited physical signs associated with substance abuse, including being underweight, having missing teeth, and sunken eyes. This points to a broader health crisis within the family, undermining the goal of ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages.

2. SDG 1: No Poverty & SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

   The family’s living environment was unsafe and unsanitary, reflecting issues of extreme poverty and inadequate housing.

   • Inadequate Housing (SDG 11): The apartment was reportedly infested with bed bugs to a degree that it affected the entire building, failing the objective of Target 11.1 to ensure access for all to adequate, safe, and affordable housing.
   • Unsanitary Conditions: Officials noted a strong smell of ammonia, indicative of an unsanitary and unhealthy living space.
   • Indicators of Poverty (SDG 1): The combination of malnutrition, poor health, and hazardous living conditions are clear manifestations of poverty in all its forms.

4.0 Legal and Judicial Outcomes

The legal proceedings against the parents are underway, reflecting the justice component of SDG 16.

• John Andrews Jr. and Rita Andrews are currently held at the Tygart Valley Regional Jail.
• Bond for John Andrews Jr. is set at $15,000.
• No bond has been set for Rita Andrews.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • The article mentions that Child Protective Services (CPS) and deputies observed that the “children looked very thin,” which directly points to issues of malnutrition and lack of adequate food, a core concern of SDG 2.
2. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The unsanitary living conditions, described as a “bed bug-infested apartment” with a strong smell of “ammonia,” pose significant health risks to the children and other residents. Additionally, the parents showed physical “signs of drug abuse,” which relates to the SDG 3 focus on substance abuse prevention and treatment.
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • The family’s living situation in a “bed bug-infested apartment” that affects the entire building highlights a failure to ensure access to adequate and safe housing, a key component of SDG 11.
4. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • The central theme of the article is the arrest of parents for “child abuse or gross neglect.” This directly addresses the SDG 16 goal of protecting children from abuse and violence. The involvement of CPS and the Sheriff’s Office demonstrates the role of institutions in upholding justice and protecting vulnerable populations.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Target 2.2: End all forms of malnutrition.
   • The description of the children as “very thin” suggests they are suffering from malnutrition, specifically wasting. This target aims to eliminate such conditions.
2. Target 3.5: Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse.
   • The observation that the parents were “showing signs of drug abuse” (being very thin, missing teeth, sunken eyes) connects directly to this target, which focuses on addressing substance abuse issues.
3. Target 11.1: Ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing.
   • The apartment’s condition—infested with bed bugs and smelling of ammonia—is a clear example of housing that is not adequate or safe, making this target highly relevant.
4. Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against and torture of children.
   • The parents were charged with “three counts of child abuse or gross neglect,” which is the exact issue this target is designed to combat. The intervention by law enforcement and CPS is an action toward achieving this target.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. Indicator for Target 2.2:
   • The physical state of the children (“looked very thin”) serves as a qualitative indicator of the prevalence of malnutrition (wasting) in children.
2. Indicator for Target 3.5:
   • The physical description of the parents (“very thin, missing teeth, having sunken eyes and ashy grey skin”) is presented as an indicator of potential substance abuse.
3. Indicator for Target 11.1:
   • The description of the “bed bug-infested apartment” and the neighbor showing “bite marks” are direct indicators of the proportion of the population living in unsafe or inadequate housing.
4. Indicator for Target 16.2:
   • The official charge of “three counts of child abuse or gross neglect by a parent” is a direct indicator. The number of reported and substantiated cases of child abuse serves as a key metric for measuring progress on this target.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Summary

Source: wdtv.com