A Texas couple has been arrested after allegedly leaving their one-year-old daughter and three-year-old son home alone on two separate occasions in one evening while they went out for dinner and drinks.
Officers from the Parker County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) responded to a report from a concerned neighbour shortly after midnight on November 8.
The neighbour had alerted authorities after discovering that two young children had allegedly been left without adult supervision at a home in Weatherford, Texas.
According to a statement released by the sheriff’s office, officers arrived at the property at around midnight.
Breanna Nicole White, 26, and her husband, Evan Daniel White, 26, returned home at approximately 12.10am.
Parents Admit Leaving Children Alone Twice
The couple allowed officers inside the residence, where authorities confirmed that no adults had been present to supervise the children.
Their three-year-old son and one-year-old daughter had allegedly been left alone inside the house.
During questioning, the parents reportedly admitted that they had first left the children unattended at around 8pm to visit a local restaurant for dinner.
After returning home, the couple allegedly decided to go out again, this time visiting a nearby bar while leaving both children alone for a second time.
The sheriff’s office said the children’s ages made it unreasonable to expect them to look after themselves without the presence of a parent or guardian.
“Due to the very young age of both children involved, it isn’t reasonable to believe they could fend for themselves in the absence of a parent or guardian,” the department stated.
Children Placed in Family Members’ Care
Following the incident, the two children were taken into the care of Parker County Child Protective Services.
Authorities subsequently arranged for them to stay with family members while an investigation into their parents’ actions continues.
Breanna and Evan White were booked into Parker County Jail on Sunday.
Both were charged with child abandonment and were released later that day after posting bonds of $5,000 each.
Sheriff Criticises Parents’ Decision to Go Out
Parker County Sheriff Russ Authier addressed the incident in the department’s news release, expressing concern over the decision to leave two toddlers without supervision.
“There is no greater responsibility than parenting a child, and it’s heartbreaking to think that parents would leave their toddlers home alone so mom and dad could go out to the bar,” Authier said.
He also made a remark about the couple’s arrest, adding: “Mom and dad ended up being babysat themselves at the Parker County Jail for doing just that.”
