Trial Postponed for Accused Daycare Director in Michigan

The trial for Jacqueline Hadwin, the former director of Childtime Child Care of Plymouth, Mich., who is accused of failing to report child abuse, was postponed until October.

Originally scheduled to begin jury selection today, Judge Ronald Lowe of the 35^th district court adjourned the trial due to a death in Jacqueline Hadwin's family. The new court date is set for October 29.

Prosecutors say Hadwin saw bruises and scratches on Allison at least once, but did not call.

Child Protective Services. Under the State of Michigan mandatory reporter law, regulated child care providers are listed as mandatory reporters.

Shortly after Allison's death, allegations arose from Cher Majeske, a former Childtime Child Care employee. She claimed that she reported seeing bruises on Allison to her supervisors in July, but that no action was taken. In October, the State of Michigan Adult and Child Licensing department revoked the day care license from Childtime. The complaint investigation found violations of the Child Care Organizations Act and administrative rules regarding the licensee and persons required to report child abuse or neglect. Officials from Childtime Child Care Inc. of Novi have denied any wrongdoing.

When reached by telephone, Allison Newman's paternal grandfather, Ken Newman, replied he had "no comment" in regards to the postponement.

If convicted of the misdemeanor charge, she faces up to 93 days in jail or a $500 fine or both.

Allison Newman, the child who Hadwin is accused of failing to report abuse on, died on September 22^nd 2006. That morning, at approximately 2 A.M., her foster mother Carol Poole called 911 after she found Allison unconscious. Initially being rushed to Annapolis Hospital, she was later airlifted to the University of Michigan Hospital where she was put on life support and was unresponsive. Her parents later that day gave consent to remove the life support. She was the second child who died in the summer of 2006 while in foster care.