Mother in Taped Beating Told to Take Classes, Get Counseling
SOUTH BEND, Ind. — A woman caught on videotape allegedly beating her 4-year-old daughter must undergo counseling and take classes in parenting and rage control before she can regain custody of the child, a judge ordered Wednesday.
Probate Judge Peter Nemeth also ordered Madelyne Gorman Toogood to maintain stable housing, keep consistent contact with the state Office of Family and Children and visit her daughter Martha regularly. She also must complete a parenting assessment.
Toogood, 25, and her husband, John, 29, belong to the Irish Travelers, a nomadic group. They have been living in Mishawaka six months.
John Toogood was ordered to maintain a stable job, stable housing, complete a parenting assessment and follow its recommendations.
The Toogoods wouldn’t comment Wednesday, but agreed to the stipulations. If they meet the court’s demands they likely will be reunited with their daughter, who is living with a relative.
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