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Doctors Charged in Beating Death of Foster Child
Reported by Val Clark
Web produced by Kelly Reynolds

	Two doctors from Children's Hospital have been charged in the death of foster child Rufus Young. Video

The Wayne County Prosecutor's office has taken the unusual step of charging two doctors in the death of 4-year-old Rufus Young. The boy's foster father has already been charged with his death, but now doctors who allegedly failed to report earlier injuries are being charged as well.

The law requiring doctors to support suspected child abuse or neglect has been on the books for years, but this is believed to be the very first time it's being used against doctors who failed to comply.

Prosecutors and police say two doctors at Children's Hospital failed to report what they described as acute and chronic child abuse of 4-year-old Rufus.

They examined and dismissed the foster child on February 14. Six weeks later Rufus was beaten to death. His foster father, Roderick Hall has been charged with the killing.

"There is no doubt in my mind that Rufus Young would be alive today if these doctors had followed the law and filed the required report with child protective services of the FIA," said Wayne County Prosecutor Mike Duggan.

"If you have reasonable cause to suspect abuse, it is not discretionary. Doctors have to report. And if they don't report in this county, they're going to be charged."

The charge of failure to report suspected child abuse or neglect is a misdemeanor. The maximum time it carries is 93 days in jail. Thus far, the doctors have not been brought into court.

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