Shreveport Police Arrest Woman for Alleged Cruelty to a Juvenile

Last Friday, Shreveport Police were contacted at an elementary school on Youree Drive after a teacher saw injuries on a 10 year-old special needs student.

Officers saw several visible injuries on the child, including marks on his arms and ears. Investigators with the Shreveport Police Department Juvenile Services Division were called to the scene, along with Child Protective Services.

Detectives determined that the child’s mother, Britannica Young, was responsible for the injuries. Young reportedly admitted to Police that she had used a belt to hit her 10 year-old son as punishment for behavioral problems at school.

As a result of the investigation, Young was arrested and charged with Cruelty to a Juvenile.

Allegations involving the abuse or mistreatment of children is extremely serious, especially when those incidents involve children with special needs or others who may be particularly vulnerable.

From SPD:

"SPD commends the teacher who recognized the injuries and immediately reported her concerns. The Shreveport Police Department appreciates the continued partnership of the Caddo Parish School Board and Child Protective Services in helping safeguard the well-being of children in our community.

Protecting children is everyone’s responsibility. In this case, a teacher saw something concerning, spoke up, and helped ensure a child received the protection and assistance he needed."