Debra Harrell, Who Let Kid Play In Park, Out On Bail, But Jobless

The story of Debra Harrell, who was arrested and separated from her 9-year-old daughter after letting the little girl play in a park while Harrell worked at a nearby McDonald’s, filled hearts across the nation with both empathy and dread. So many who have been where Debra found herself — underemployed and without child care — have feared a similar fate.

When Inquisitr first reported on Harrell, she had been arrested for what the police termed abandonment, allowing her child to play, alone, three consecutive days in a park near the McDonald’s where Harrell worked. While Debra was in jail, many people opened their hearts and wallets, donating what now amounts to over $30,000 to help her face her legal troubles and get her daughter back.

At last, though, there is a further update on Debra Harrell’s current state of affairs. Think Progress spoke with attorney Robert Phillips, who is representing Harrell pro bono. Phillips has confirmed that Harrell is no longer imprisoned, and was in fact released on bond the day after her arrest. She’s also been reunited with her daughter, though the investigation has not been closed, and these cases usually involve a relatively long-term scrutiny of parenting practices.

However, Harrell’s situation has been made more precarious, because the McDonald’s where she worked has terminated her employment. As hard as the problem of lacking a sitter during working hours may be, being out of a job and seeking employment, especially while without reliable childcare, is surely even harder.

Since Harrell’s case came to light, more and more similar cases, such as that of Moshimalee Johnson, have arisen. According to Moshimalee, her five children were taken from her after a series of events (broken-down vehicle, injured child needing medical care, lost job) that led her to inquire for housing assistance. Receiving none and finding waiting lists at shelters, Johnson turned to CraigsList. She says the agent who removed her children from her care told her it was due to her “inappropriate” choice to seek shelter through the online classified site, though CPS agents refused to confirm or deny.

Cases like those of Debra Harrell and Moshimalee Johnson are creating a rallying cry, with mothers across the country pleading for more options so that parents don’t have to choose between being jobless or underemployed and without childcare. In the meantime, Debra Harrell is due to return for her next court date on September 5, according to the local ABC affiliate.

[photo credit: Peter E. Lee via photopin cc]