While in the temporary custody of a foster mother under the care of the Cuyahoga County Division of Children and Family services, 22-month-old Mandisa Sizemore choked to death on June 16th, 2020.  Furthermore, the family was not made aware of their child’s death until the couple arrived at the facility to check on her wellbeing.

“The child, Mandisa Sizemore, was in the temporary custody of a foster mother and under the care of Cuyahoga County Division of Children and Family Services when she was allegedly left unattended and choked to death June 16, 2020,”

-Cochran Firm Attorney Stanley Jackson of The Cochran Firm Cleveland

According to the spokesperson for Cuyahoga County the child was placed in foster care on April 27th but died less than 2 months later on June 16th. The family was familiar with the home their daughter was going to and say that they were never satisfied with their daughter being taken into custody and being placed in foster care.

“The parents and the family had already reported this lady previously about abuse with this child,”

-Jackson

Prior to her death, Sizemore was taken to the hospital for injuries to her eyes and lips, and seemingly nothing was done about the incidence.

Jackson claims that it was neglect that led to the death of Mandisa Sizemore, saying that she was unattended, chewing playing cards, and died. According to the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s office, the child’s death was due to “choking on foreign material,” and therefore, deemed “accidental”.

However, the family wants a further investigation into the foster home and caretaker.

“The conditions when they arrived were deplorable. And I mean that in the sense that it was not a place that anyone would believe that foster kids could live or a home that would have been approved by any agency.”

-Jackson

According to Jackson, on the day of Sizemore’s death, investigators were not satisfied with what they saw at the foster home. Sizemore’s family is eager to see the foster parent and Cuyahoga County held accountable based on their current and continued findings regarding the situation.  

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