The lead off
- Lawsuit filed to shut down unlicensed daycare operation in Elkhart County
- Court documents say 86 children were found inside a single home during search
- Investigators cite unsafe conditions, including basement sleeping area and limited adult supervision
INDIANAPOLIS, IND. (WOWO) A lawsuit has been filed against an unlicensed daycare operation in Elkhart County after investigators say 86 children were found inside a residential property during a search warrant execution.
Investigation begins after conflicting claims
Court documents obtained by WSBT show an inspector with the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration Division of Family Resources began reviewing the child care home in the 18000 block of County Road 42 after receiving conflicting information from those operating the facility.
According to the documents, organizers described the location at different times as a bus stop and later claimed it was licensed through the Department of Child Services for emergency placements.
Cease-and-desist issued before search warrant
Investigators say a cease-and-desist letter was issued after officials attempted to clarify the status of the operation and encountered what they described as evasive responses from the organizers.
A search warrant was later issued on May 26 and executed on June 1, according to court records.
Conditions described inside the home
When authorities entered the property, court documents state they found 86 children inside the residence.
Investigators reported:
- 66 children were located in the basement lying on mats separated by cardboard
- 17 children were found on the ground floor across two rooms
- Three infants were strapped into car seats and placed inside dark closets
Court documents also state there was no fire escape from the basement other than the staircase used to access the area.
Staffing and supervision concerns
According to court filings, only three adults were present to supervise the 86 children at the time of the search.
The documents do not detail additional staffing qualifications but indicate investigators raised concerns regarding supervision levels and the overall safety of the environment.
Lawsuit seeks court action
The lawsuit filed in the case seeks an injunction to stop the operation of the unlicensed child care facility, according to court documents.
Looking ahead
The case will proceed through the court system as officials seek to permanently halt operations at the property. Additional hearings or filings could further outline enforcement actions and any potential penalties tied to the alleged unlicensed child care operation.
The takeaway
Large-scale child care operation under legal scrutiny
Court documents describe an unlicensed daycare in Elkhart County where investigators say 86 children were found inside a residential home during a search warrant execution.
Safety conditions cited in court filings
Officials reported basement sleeping arrangements, limited exits, and infants placed in car seats in closets, along with only three adults supervising dozens of children.
Case moves into court system
A lawsuit has been filed seeking an injunction to shut down the operation, and further legal proceedings are expected to determine next steps and potential enforcement actions.
