State to maintain custody of neglected Stoddard County infant

BLOOMFIELD, Mo. -- A judge found the neglect allegations against the parents of a now-4-month-old mentally disabled Dexter, Mo., infant to be true and retained jurisdiction over the child, who authorities say is thriving in foster care. The girl, who has Down syndrome, has been in the custody of the Missouri Children's Division since she was removed from her parents' home June 3. The parents, Amanda Knight Garrett, 20, and Vabian Webb, 18, remain in the Stoddard County Jail without bond on charges of first-degree endangering the welfare of a child and child abuse. A jurisdictional hearing was held Tuesday before Judge Joe Satterfield on the petition filed June 4 by the Stoddard County Juvenile Office. Chief juvenile officer Michael Davis said the next court date will be Oct. 12 for a "review to see if any progress has been made by the parents."