Baton Rouge Children Found Wandering Outside Apartment
Three children were found unattended near a storm drain, highlighting the need for secure home locks and constant supervision.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Child Care
Baton Rouge police arrested Ladaisha Perkins on three counts of cruelty to juveniles after staff at an apartment complex discovered three young children wandering unattended. The children, including two 2-year-olds, were found attempting to climb into a storm drain on Scholars Avenue.
Why it matters
This incident highlights the critical importance of child safety and secure living environments in multi-family housing. The discovery of the children in an unsafe, exterior area underscores the need for vigilant supervision and secure home access points for households with toddlers.
The incident involved three children, including two 2-year-olds, who were found barefoot and in unsanitary conditions. Police filed three counts of cruelty to juveniles following the discovery on Scholars Avenue.
The players
Ladaisha Perkins
The individual arrested and charged with three counts of cruelty to juveniles.
Baton Rouge Police Department
The local municipal law enforcement agency responsible for investigating the welfare of the children and managing the criminal filing.
The details
Staff at the apartment complex discovered the children after they managed to walk out of their residence. Upon arrival, officers found the home in disarray, noting overflowing trash and broken eggs, while the suspect was asleep inside. The children were reportedly found attempting to climb into a storm drain near the complex.
Timeline
Wednesday, October 14, 2026: Staff discovered the children wandering on Scholars Avenue.
The Home Front
This case reflects the ongoing application of Louisiana state child cruelty statutes meant to ensure the basic safety and sanitary conditions of a residence. It highlights the legal thresholds for caregiver responsibility in maintaining a secure home environment for young children.
Parents and caregivers should verify that all door locks, security latches, and window guards are functioning properly to prevent unauthorized exits. It is also recommended to review home safety checklists to ensure living spaces remain clear of hazardous waste and potential environmental dangers.
The takeaway
This event serves as a reminder to prioritize the structural security of your home to prevent unsupervised access to dangerous outdoor areas. Routinely inspect child-safety locks on all exterior doors to ensure they remain secure and effective.
Further reading
For more on maintaining safe environments, read our Child Care coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WBRZ.
