A mother of three children has been sentenced to prison for subjecting her kids to live outdoors due to the unlivable conditions inside their home. Betty Snider, 35, forced her children to endure inhumane living arrangements in their garden for an extended period, leading to concerns raised by authorities.
The situation came to light when the 16-year-old child showed up at school in poor physical shape, while the younger siblings were consistently absent. Reports indicated the younger children were visibly dirty, hungry, and had physical injuries.
Following an investigation, Snider was arrested on August 29, 2024, after her children, aged 10, 11, and 16, were hospitalized due to suspected malnourishment, dehydration, and neglect. Concerns were raised by teaching staff at Jefferson County Public Schools, highlighting the teen’s condition as a potential danger.
The children disclosed to authorities that their living conditions were deplorable, with the trailer home being extremely dirty. They revealed that they were compelled to live outside in the garden using chairs, swings, and a tent as makeshift shelter. Investigators described the residence as uninhabitable, plagued with bugs and litter. Snider admitted to leaving her children outside for extended periods, citing plans to move to another property she owned.
In court, Snider attempted to justify the household conditions by claiming she was in the process of relocating to a different property. The children’s great-grandmother, Mary Burkhammer, likened the treatment of the children to that of animals, expressing deep concern over the neglect and abuse they endured.
Despite efforts by family members and authorities to intervene and report the situation, little action was taken to address the alarming living conditions. The Cabinet for Health and Family Services acknowledged contact with the family but refrained from commenting on the specifics.
A spokesperson emphasized the importance of providing nurturing environments for children to thrive, acknowledging the ongoing societal challenge of child abuse and neglect. Early intervention was highlighted as crucial, with a commitment to collaborating with law enforcement to address such cases.
As a result of her actions, the mother was sentenced to three years in prison for her role in the mistreatment of her children.
