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The Kosciusko County prosecutor's office indicated Friday that an Etna Green man who reported himself for child abuse will get some help, but will not avoid facing criminal charges.
Nathan Earnest Beaudin, 19, of 210 S. Main St., Etna Green, called the Kosciusko County Sheriff's Department to report an incident of child abuse on Jan. 12. The odd thing about the call was that Beaudin was reporting himself.
When investigators arrived at the scene they found Beaudin outside his home crying. His 2-year-old son was inside the mobile home playing with some toys.
According to police reports the child was examined at Kosciusko Community Hospital and found not to have any severe injuries.
Prosecutor David Kolbe indicated that he had three goals in the handling of Beaudin's case.
His primary goal is to protect the child. The 2-year-old has been placed in a safe environment, authorities report.
Police reported that the child suffered a bloody nose and abrasions to his forehead.
Beaudin faces charges of battery and neglect of a dependent, both Class D felonies.
But the prosecutor will not ignore the teen's honest reporting.
"The secondary goal that we have is to help Nathan not find himself in the problem again," Kolbe said. He indicated there would be an effort to steer Beaudin into some anger management therapy.
The third goal for the prosecutor's office is to send the message that help is available for those who seek it.
Anyone needing counseling for child abuse could refer themselves to the Bowen Center at 267-7169. According to the center's office manager, Karen Gottschalk, individuals can be set up with a staff therapist who works with abusers.
Gottschalk said the center receives some self-referrals and some referrals from doctors' offices. But the majority of referred clients come from Family and Children Services.
