The Button Law Firm Emphasizes Daycare Safety After Manchester Daycare Drugging

MANCHESTER, New Hampshire – Recently, ABC News shared the story of a daycare owner and three employees who were arrested for allegedly adding melatonin to children's food without parental consent. The police began investigating in November 2023 after receiving reports of unsafe practices at an in-home daycare on Amory Street. Authorities discovered that the food was being dosed with melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles, without the parents' knowledge. While melatonin can help with sleep disorders and is considered safe for short-term use, its unauthorized administration to children raised serious concerns.

The duration and dosage of melatonin given to the children remain unclear, as does how the practice was initially discovered by the authorities. Arrest warrants were issued for 52-year-old Sally Dreckmann, the daycare owner, along with 51-year-old Traci Innie, 23-year-old Kaitlin Filardo, and 23-year-old Jessica Foster. All four suspects, residents of Manchester, turned themselves in and were charged with 10 counts of endangering the welfare of a child. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.

How Daycare Drugging Incidents Happen

Daycare drugging typically occurs when caregivers administer drugs, often without parental knowledge or consent, to manage or control children’s behavior.

Our daycare injury lawyers have seen these shocking incidents happen more frequently lately. The most common scenarios where children are drugged with prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications while at daycare centers include:

• Daycare workers giving children Benadryl or other antihistamines to make them sleepy, thus making them easier to control
• Daycare workers administering an incorrect dose of an approved medicine
• Daycare workers administering over-the-counter medications and dietary supplements like Tylenol and melatonin

We have also seen an uptick in unqualified caregivers who bring illegal or age-restricted drugs like THC gummies or cannabis into local daycare centers.

Signs Your Child Has Been Drugged at Daycare

Parents should be vigilant for signs that their child might be drugged at daycare. Symptoms of melatonin or other drug administration can include:

• Excessive Sleepiness: If your child is unusually drowsy or sleeps more than usual after returning from daycare, this could be a red flag.
• Behavioral Changes: Sudden changes in behavior, such as increased lethargy or irritability, may indicate drugging.
• Physical Symptoms: Look for unexplained physical symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, or headaches.
• Unusual Eating or Drinking Habits: Reluctance to eat or drink specific foods or drinks they previously enjoyed can also be a warning sign.

If you suspect your child has been drugged, it’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately and report your concerns to the authorities.

How The Button Law Firm Handles Daycare Drugging Cases

At The Button Law Firm, we are dedicated to advocating for the rights and safety of children. When cases of daycare drugging come to our attention, we take a comprehensive approach to ensure justice is served and prevent future incidents.

We conduct an in-depth investigation to gather evidence and build a strong case. This includes working with medical professionals to confirm drug administration and its effects on the child. We then pursue legal action against the responsible parties, seeking accountability for their actions.

We also support affected families, helping them navigate the legal process and understand their rights. This includes working closely with parents to ensure their voices are heard, and their children receive the necessary care.

Beyond individual cases, we advocate for stricter regulations and oversight of daycare facilities to prevent similar incidents.

BLF’s Experience Getting Justice for a Child Drugged with Benadryl

The Button Law Firm has a proven track record of successfully handling daycare drugging cases. In a previous case, we represented a family whose child was given Benadryl at daycare without parental consent.

The daycare workers administered the medication to make the child sleep, endangering the child's health and violating the parents' trust. We held the daycare accountable through our thorough investigation and legal expertise. Our efforts resulted in justice for the child and family, including a life-changing result that covered medical expenses and provided support for the emotional distress caused by the incident.

Click here to read the full story.

Contact The Button Law Firm if Your Child Was Drugged at Daycare

The recent Manchester incident underscores the importance of vigilance and proactive measures to protect children. At The Button Law Firm, our daycare injury attorneys are committed to ensuring that justice is served and that no child suffers from such negligent and harmful practices.

If you suspect your child has been a victim of daycare drugging, contact us for a free and confidential case evaluation. You can reach us by calling  (214) 699-4409 or filling out our contact form. You can also reach out to us by starting a chat. Our dedicated team is available 24/7 to answer any questions you have.