Former Director of Kidz Life Childcare Ministry in Indianapolis Faces Consequences
Summary
A former day care director in suburban Indianapolis has been sentenced to six months in jail for giving melatonin gummies to children without their parents’ consent. Tonya Rachelle Voris, the former director of the Kidz Life Childcare Ministry at New Life Church in Cumberland, pleaded guilty to 11 felony counts of neglect of a dependent and six misdemeanor counts of reckless supervision.
Unapproved Sleep Aid
Voris was charged in February 2023 after it was discovered that she had been administering a pediatric-strength melatonin to children at the day care without parental consent. The church’s pastor reported the incident to the Cumberland police after an assistant day care director informed him about Voris’ actions.
Overstepping Boundaries
According to a probable cause affidavit, Voris started giving the melatonin to children after a parent had advised her to use it for their child. Despite the success with this particular child, Voris decided to administer the melatonin to a large number of children without obtaining consent from their parents.
Consequences and Side Effects
Voris was sentenced to six months in jail after pleading guilty to the charges. The melatonin was given to 17 children, ranging in age from infancy to 4 years old. Several parents reported that their children experienced side effects as a result of the unapproved sleep aid.
Change of Residence
Voris, who was living in Fortville, Indiana at the time of the incident, has since moved to Dade City, Florida. She was taken into custody immediately after her sentencing to serve her jail term.
