Karyann Parkinson, a Virginia mom, was convicted of contributing to the delinquency of a minor and placed on the state's child abuse and neglect registry for 7 years after letting her 5-year-old son, Sam, walk alone through their gated community in June. The community has ponds and waterways, which may have contributed to concerns about safety. However, no harm came to Sam during his walk, and he was simply collecting goose feathers on a familiar path when stopped by a security guard. Parkinson's sentence included a 6-month suspended jail term, but the charge remains. The case has sparked a national debate over parenting and children's independence.
child abuse for letting her 5-year-old son walk alone
