Delco Mom Pleads To Endangering After Child Found Wandering Alone

LOWER CHICHESTER TOWNSHIP, PA — A Delaware County mother whose child was found wandering alone was sentenced to nearly two yeas in prison, but was immediately paroled, after pleading no contest in court.

Kierra S. Forney, 37, of Linwood, Tuesday pleaded no contest to one count of endangering the welfare of children with the parent committing the offense.

The incident happened May 21, 2024.

Lower Chichester Police were called to the 1300 block of Market Street at about 6:07 p.m. thay day for a report of a 4-year-old child found.

There, police found several concerned citizens awaiting their arrival, with a 4-year-old boy who was outside walking around alone.

Police said the boy, who was unable to provide an address, appeared to be healthy, but was shoeless and appeared to be dirty.

The child had to be picked up by police after he tried to run into traffic, police said.

One officer recognized the child from prior similar incidents, and went to the home where he believed the child lived.

Police then spoke with Forney, the child's mother, at the home.

Police said she was "clearly under the influence of a controlled substance," and said she admitted to taking an undetermined amount of Xanax.

She claimed to have overslept, was lethargic, off balance, and not cognizant of her surroundings, police said.

Police said Forney acknowledged the child was hers and asked for him back, but due to her condition police refused to release the child and contacted the proper authorities to become involved.

Officers also learned that there was a 2-year-old child in the home.

After having both of the children checked by EMS, officers removed both children from the area and awaited the response of Children and Youth Services.