GIVING ADDICTED MOTHER A SECOND CHANCE

Any mother who would leave her 7-year-old daughter in a crack house as
collateral for a drug debt should be thrown under the jail. At least that's
a reasonable first reaction to this week's news about the conviction of a
Morehead woman.

But Fayette District Judge Pamela Goodwine was right to ensure that Sherry
Von Penrod, 41, receives some mental health treatment.

Penrod, who pleaded guilty to the misdemeanor charge of endangering the
welfare of a minor, was sentenced to 12 months in jail. She won't have to
serve the time if she successfully completes two years on probation.

Drug addicts make poor judgments, we know that. We can keep putting them in
prison or provide more treatment and a chance to make a fresh start on life.

That's worth remembering, even when we hear such a disgusting story.
Fortunately, Penrod came to her senses and called Kentucky State Police and
told them where and why she had left the girl, who is in state custody.

Now, police need to find a way to arrest the dealer who not only sells
drugs but barters in human flesh.