Laura Putnam was shocked to learn that her sons had been given melatonin supplements without her consent at their day care, Apple Blossom Childcare in Falmouth, Maine. She discovered this when a former employee told her about it. Other parents, including Lindsay Corcoran, also learned through text messages that their children had been given melatonin without their permission. This practice raises concerns among parents, doctors, and lawmakers, as giving melatonin to young children is not well-studied and should not be done without parental consent.
In Maine, it is not illegal for day care centers to give children melatonin with parental consent, but several incidents across the country have raised alarms about this practice. An investigation was launched into Apple Blossom Childcare after receiving complaints of abuse, neglect, and licensing violations. While initially labeled as a victim of abuse/neglect, Putnam’s son’s case was later overturned due to insufficient evidence.
Melatonin use in children is on the rise, but experts like Dr. Rebecca Fisk caution against giving it to kids under 5 due to a lack of long-term studies on its effects on growth and development. Maine state Sen. Teresa Pierce is introducing a bill to require day care operators to notify parents if their centers are under investigation, aiming to increase transparency and protect children.
Putnam is advocating for stricter penalties for mistreating children, feeling let down by the lack of consequences in her case. The incident at Apple Blossom Childcare highlights the need for better regulation and oversight in day care centers to ensure the safety and well-being of children.
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