Neglect at Disneyworld

Apparently, even the “happiest place on earth” is not immune from child neglect. Yesterday’s Detroit Free Press reported this story:

Couple facing child neglect charges

A Holly couple was arrested Friday, accused of child neglect in Florida after police say they left two young foster children in a hotel room while they went to the pool.

According to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, Kimberly and Stephen Simmons left the children, ages 2 and 4, unattended at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort for more than two hours. They returned after being asked to do so by resort staff. A housekeeper found the children uninjured.  Kimberly Simmons, a school counselor in Michigan, told police she had taken a six-year old nephew swimming and was “aware the two children were alone in her hotel room.”  The couple didn’t seem to be concerned about leaving the children alone and said they had done it before.

Carrie Hoeppner, spokeswoman for Florida’s Department of Children and Families, said protective services officials from Michigan picked up the children Monday.

Kimberly Simmons, 41, and Stephen Simmons, 49, each posted $2,000 bond and were released from jail, said Allen Moore, a spokesman for the Orange County Corrections Department. The couple has not yet been arraigned on charges.