Cheviot, OH – A 52-year-old foster mother from Ohio is facing a felony child endangering charge after authorities say her 9-year-old foster son with autism became so severely malnourished that he drank dishwater and searched garbage cans for food. The case has raised alarms about the oversight of foster care homes and the protection of vulnerable children.
The Incident: Child Found Malnourished and Hospitalized
According to a criminal complaint obtained by the Cincinnati Enquirer, the alleged abuse occurred between April and August 2025 at Kelly Lewis’s home in Cheviot, Ohio. Police said staff at the boy’s school noticed he appeared extremely thin and alerted Hamilton County Job and Family Services.
When investigators examined the child, they found that he had lost about 14% of his body weight and appeared severely malnourished. He was immediately taken to a hospital, where he remained for nearly a month-long recovery stay.
Authorities reported that the boy was seen rummaging through garbage for food and at one point drank dishwater out of desperation. Prosecutors described the situation as a “severe violation of trust” by a caregiver who was supposed to protect him.
Investigation and Arrest of Foster Mother
Kelly Lewis, who has been a licensed foster parent since 2007, was arrested on Wednesday morning and charged with felony child endangering. She was booked into the Hamilton County Jail and later released on $50,000 bond after posting bail on Thursday afternoon.
At her arraignment, Lewis’s attorney claimed she was following the recommendations of a nutritionist, feeding the child specific protein shakes due to his complex medical needs. The attorney added that the boy, who is nonverbal and suffers from seizures, has several chronic health conditions that made feeding difficult.
Despite the defense, authorities say Lewis’s care resulted in severe neglect and endangered the boy’s life.
“This represents a grave breach of trust for someone in a caregiving position,” prosecutors said during the hearing.
Court Proceedings and Judge’s Warning
Lewis appeared before Judge Bernie Bouchard, who ordered her to wear an ankle monitor and have no contact with the victim.
“Stay away from that kid,” Judge Bouchard reportedly told Lewis during the arraignment.
Lewis, who also cares for a 14-year-old child, is expected to return to court on November 17 for her next hearing. The Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office is continuing its investigation and has not ruled out the possibility of additional charges.
Condition of the Child and Ongoing Care
Officials have not provided an update on the boy’s current condition, but reports indicate that he is now in the care of authorities and receiving medical treatment. Doctors said his hospitalization was necessary to stabilize his weight and nutrition after months of deprivation.
According to child welfare experts, the case underscores the importance of consistent health monitoring for children in foster care—especially those with developmental disabilities who cannot communicate abuse or neglect.
Background and Legal Context
Under Ohio law, felony child endangering can carry a sentence of up to eight years in prison if the offense results in serious physical harm. Authorities said the alleged neglect demonstrated a pattern of inadequate care, violating both medical advice and foster care standards.
Lewis’s attorney maintains that her actions were guided by medical professionals and not by intentional harm. However, investigators are reviewing medical records and communications between Lewis and the child’s nutritionist to verify those claims.
This case is part of a broader push in Ohio to tighten foster home oversight after a series of recent incidents involving neglect and abuse in licensed homes.
Ongoing Developments and Next Steps
The Hamilton County Department of Job and Family Services has launched an internal review to determine how long the boy’s condition went unnoticed and whether caseworkers failed to identify warning signs.
Meanwhile, Kelly Lewis remains free under strict supervision, prohibited from contact with any minors without court approval.
Child welfare advocates are calling for stricter inspection protocols and more frequent wellness checks for foster children with complex medical needs.
Conclusion
The case of Kelly Lewis has reignited debate over the foster care system’s accountability and the need for stronger protections for special-needs children. As the investigation continues, community members and advocates are demanding answers to how such neglect could occur under the state’s supervision.
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