
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SATURDAY, March 25, 1995                   TAG: 9503270043
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C-3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: LAURENCE HAMMACK
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

TOT WHO SUFFERED BURNS PLACED IN FOSTER CARE

An 18-month-old boy who authorities suspect was abused was released from a Roanoke hospital this week, but he did not return home.

Instead, Anthony Harvey was placed in foster care after a Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court judge granted temporary custody to the Roanoke Department of Social Services.

Authorities are continuing to investigate a March 7 incident in which rescue workers were called to an apartment on Hunt Avenue Northwest and told that Anthony was not breathing.

At Community Hospital of Roanoke Valley, doctors found that the boy was bleeding internally and suffering from burns to his feet, buttocks and left ear. His inner ears were bruised, indicating he may have been hit in the head, and there were cuts on his stomach and thigh.

While in foster care, Anthony will continue to receive medical treatment for his injuries and therapy. "I think he's doing very well, recovery-wise, but he does have some way to go," said Corinne Gott, head of the Social Services Department.

Anthony's mother has told police that a family friend was taking care of the child. The friend, in turn, told detectives that the toddler sustained the injuries after falling on a sidewalk and playing in hot water in a bathtub.

No arrests have been made, although police have turned the results of their investigation over to Commonwealth's Attorney Donald Caldwell, who will make a decision on what, if any, charges should be brought.

by CNB