To the editor: This article is a heartbreaking reminder of the dangers children face in their own homes, and we must protect each other and our children as a community (“L.A. County will pay $20 million to family of 4-year-old boy who was tortured, killed,” Sept. 30).
However, the story is largely covered from the perspective that the government, not the family or the community, failed the young child. The parents of this little boy had a history of abuse, yet no one fought for him while he was alive. No one kept him from his parents, not even his great-grandmother.
While the lawsuit against the Department of Child and Family Services is justified because it was notified and has the authority to make these decisions, the government is not the only resource available. People are also a resource, family is a resource, and a community is a resource; we need to be the people who can be counted on when our children need us.
Miguel Delvalle, Long Beach
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To the editor: Almost every day I read about another horrific story in the Los Angeles Times. Mostly, I feel overwhelmed by the facts and have no idea how I, or anyone else, can solve the problem. However, there is one (thankfully rare) occurrence that seems relatively preventable: that of the child abused and murdered by his own parents. In the case of Noah Cuatro, it seems that many people knew of his abuse and tried to alert government services, but were powerless to do anything.
This seems like a tragedy we’ve heard before. Could we prevent another child’s death by applying some common sense solutions? How about empowering teachers and relatives to hold a child until they receive assurance that they will be safe? If social services doesn’t show up, can they call the police and demand action? Perhaps a legal system can be established to fight for the rights of the child. No grandparent or teacher should be forced to send a child to a place where he might be harmed. Yes, the rights of the parents or guardians might be compromised for a day or two, but perhaps it’s time to put a child’s right to life first and foremost. Let’s put an end to these unspeakable crimes now.
Linda Mele Johnson, Long Beach
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To the editor: The torture and killing of a child is unbearable. It’s good that the parents were sentenced to potential life terms and the Department of Children and Family Services should be held accountable as well.
But a $20 million award from L.A. County feels excessive, especially since lawyers will take a big cut. Better to grant a smaller sum, limit attorney fees and fund a landscaped memorial with a shade tree in Noah Cuatro’s local park with a plaque — so he’s not forgotten and maybe another child is saved.
Steven Shrager, Sherman Oaks