A group of day care workers in Manchester, New Hampshire, have been accused of secretly sprinkling melatonin into children's food without parental consent. The accused include the owner of the in-home day care, known as “The Melatonin 4”; Sally Dreckmann, 52, and three of her employees: Traci Innie, 51; Kaitlin Filardo, 23; and Jessica Foster, 23.
The Manchester Police Department began investigating the day care after receiving a tip about "unsafe practices" in November 2023. The investigation revealed that the children's food was being "sprinkled with melatonin," a natural sleep aid supplement, without the knowledge or consent of the parents. This alarming practice has led to all four individuals being charged with 10 counts of endangering the welfare of a child.
Melatonin, a hormone produced by the human brain in response to darkness, helps regulate sleep patterns and the body's internal clock. While it is generally considered safe for short-term use as a sleep aid for adults and adolescents, its safety for pediatric use is not yet known. The recent arrests have raised concerns about the potential health risks associated with administering melatonin to children without proper medical guidance.
While the investigation continues, parents are left to grapple with the unsettling news and wonder about the possible effects on their children. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of trust and transparency in childcare, and the potential consequences when that trust is breached.[link
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