INDIANA — The death of 4-year-old Judah Morgan has touched the lives of Hoosiers and others across the country.
While Judah is no longer here his legacy is making life-saving changes in Indiana's legal system.
"I am obviously upset that it took this to make change, but my family and I are super excited that the senators and that the state are seeing change — change that could've possibly saved Judah, had then been put in place prior to this," said Jenna Hullett, Judah's former foster mother.
In 2021, the Indiana Department of Child Services granted Judah's parents custody after being with his foster mom for four years.
Morgan died months later of blunt force trauma.
Court records state he was allegedly tortured in his LaPorte County home.
Records also state his father would duct tape his hands and feet and physically abuse him.
RELATED | 4-year-old killed after DCS gives custody back to birth parents remembered at vigil
"It was a tragic event. It was Judah's death and the tragedy and just the absolute horror this youngster went through that just made it the time," said state Sen. Mike Bohacek (R-Michiana Shores).
Bohacek sponsored the bill, along with state Rep. Jim Pressel (R-Rolling Prairie).
He says Judah's death pointed out flaws in the legal system.
For decades, unlicensed foster parents like family members couldn't intervene in court cases or terminate the parent-child relationship when a child is in danger.
"What the bill does is it sets forth a clear path that a caregiver not being provided a stipend which means doing it out of the goodness of their heart will be able to intervene and have a good strong voice as to where the child goes," said Bohacek.
Judah's former foster mother Jenna Hullett filed for custody in court exactly one year ago.
She says she reached out to DCS several times and was heartbroken he was given back to his parents.
"Judah was with us for 4 months to four years. Nobody knew him like we knew him. His biological parents didn't know him like we knew him," said Hullett.
She misses her loving, bright-eyed boy.
"It's an emotional roller coaster. Every day is different," said Hullett.
But she's thankful for Judah's army, state leaders and her family for giving other families a voice in court and children a chance to escape abuse.
"This is just a small step we want to make federal changes because it needs to stop," said Hullett.
-
Armed suspect jumps into pond during ISP pursuit in Indianapolis
A traffic stop by Indiana State Police on Thursday led to a foot pursuit of an armed suspect, who jumped into a pond to evade capture.
Hancock Regional Hospital earns "A" for patient safety
Hancock Regional Hospital earns its 10th consecutive "A" safety grade. This reflects their strong commitment to preventing errors and ensuring high patient safety standards in Greenfield.
IMPD: 21-year-old man shot and killed on Indy's west side
A male was shot and killed on Indy's west side Thursday afternoon. Police initially responded to the scene for a vehicle accident before finding the victim.
Keystone Avenue ramp closure and I-65 lane restrictions to begin this month
Starting on or after May 17, the exit ramp from northbound I-65 to Keystone Avenue will close for reconstruction until August. Lane restrictions will also be implemented on I-65.
