Jennifer (Baby aged 4 months, France)

Introduction

I have been a childcare assistant since July 2008. I hold a CAP in early childhood education, a BEP in health and social careers, as well as a BAC in medical-social sciences. I also obtained the certification for childcare assistance to care for children. I am 38 years old and have three children born in 2009, 2012, and 2014.

The Day Everything Changed

Little A came to me in March. He is an adorable baby who never cries. On a Friday in May, after his afternoon nap, I placed little A on the activity mat on his tummy. The other children were napping, but R woke up crying because he was slightly ill. I went to get him and change his diaper. He could walk well since he was 14 months old, therefore I stood him up. As I turned to pick up the dirty diaper, I heard a terrible sound that remains in my head. When I turned around, I saw R sitting on little A’s head on the mat. I removed R, and I first thought that A had died because he wasn’t moving, lying on his tummy. I immediately picked him up, but he felt like a rag doll. His head was jerking backward, so I held it by sliding my hand, but then his head fell forward and bumped into my chest. He was moaning; I called emergency services and the parents right away. A gradually regained consciousness and strength in his head. The emergency team arrived, but I had to insist they handle little A properly because they thought he was fine.

When the Diagnosis Came

Later in the evening, I learned from his mother that little A was diagnosed with Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS). The next day, the police contacted me for a voluntary interview and photos were taken at my home. The parents support me; they seem to know I would never harm their child. I was suspended on Monday night but told to finish the day with the children present. The following Monday, one week later, I was taken into police custody, following a diagnosis made by a forensic doctor claiming he was certain I shaked this baby. It’s worth noting that A was back to normal after three days and left the hospital after a week. The police officers and judge were very understanding and reassuring because the facts I described were consistent. Being under police custody is difficult to endure, even traumatic, but thankfully, a police officer’s support was essential for me. He explained everything, and more than he was supposed to.

In the Judicial Machine

I was suspended on Monday night (the accident happened on Friday afternoon) and had an appointment with the licensing service on Tuesday morning. I was heard, supported, and reassured about my procedures. Later, after nearly 48 hours in police custody, I was brought before a judge. He seemed to believe the theory of violent shaking did not align with A’s easygoing temperament and his fast recovery. I was granted the status of assisted witness, with the right to keep my job. My license was reinstated and renewed in July. The judge ordered a psychological and psychiatric evaluation, but only the psychological evaluation was carried out. The other children’s parents were interviewed, as well as my ex-husband and the licensing service. I was placed under phone surveillance, but nothing came to light that could be held against me.

Living with Suspicion

I live every day under constant stress, because I don’t know what will happen to me. It’s been two and a half years since my status as an assisted witness was first established and then confirmed by four different judges (the investigating judge and the court of appeal). As of now, a new judge has taken over the case. He disagrees with the previous decisions and is now requesting a new forensic expertise. At any moment, he could revoke my right to work with children. Emotionally, this has been incredibly difficult, especially since little A came back into my care after the accident. But despite the current judicial decision, his regular doctor threatened the parents to have them meet child abuse doctors and specialists. We decided it was best to end the contract. This ongoing injustice has taken a heavy toll on me, emotionally and physically. I feel exhausted, and many health problems have emerged since this accident.

For consistency across testimonies, this text may have been slightly edited or translated by artificial intelligence. If you notice any error or inconsistency, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

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Mark, UK

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Mary, UK

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Virginie, France

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