A Georgia family is speaking out after their toddler was severely injured on his first day of day care. The worker who allegedly hurt the boy, Yvette Thurston, now faces charges on multiple counts of child abuse. Details about the abuse have not been released, but the boy’s family shared photos of the child on social media. The images have gained attention because it’s clear the abuse was significant. His relatives have vowed they will work to make sure Thurston is held accountable.
According to Bainbridge Public Safety, 54-year-old Thurston was arrested and taken into custody on August 11, 2025, WRDW reported. She is accused of abusing a young boy in her care at Little Blessings Child Care, which is run by Bainbridge Church of God.
Specific details about the abuse and allegations have not been revealed, the news outlet reported, but investigators were allowed to view video surveillance footage that helped with the investigation.
Several days after Thurston was arrested, Cory Weeks, the boy’s father, posted about the incident on Facebook, complete with pictures of his 1-year-old son, Clay. According to Weeks, it was Clay’s first day at the day care, alongside his 3-year-old brother, Wyatt.
“This is every parents’ worst nightmare and WE had to live it and are still living it,” Weeks wrote in his post. “We were told another child in Clay’s class did this type of damage with a plastic toy.” He added that he was allowed to view the surveillance footage alongside investigators.
“Nothing we saw was for the faint hearted, especially happening to such an innocent soul,” the dad wrote. He explained that Clay was taken to a hospital to be treated.
“This is only the beginning for us as parents. We will make sure justice is served wherever necessary,” Weeks claimed in the post. “The SEVERITY of the ACTS of VIOLENCE to our son has everyone confident that this was not her first time. We trusted this facility to care and love our kids and on their FIRST DAY that was violated. There will be more coming from this and we will make sure nothing is ‘swept under the rug.’”
In his post, Weeks also reminded parents that they should always question any injuries their children receive at day care. Additionally, he told others to not “believe the ‘happy pictures’ sent to you parents” because they received photos of Clay that same day.
WALB shared a statement from the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning, or DECAL, regarding the incident. “Our agency is currently conducting a thorough investigation into the situation,” the statement read. “It has been confirmed that a teacher has been arrested in connection with these allegations. As our investigation is still in its early stages, DECAL will continue to work closely with law enforcement and all relevant parties to ensure a comprehensive review of the facts.”
Thurston is facing charges of one count of first-degree aggravated battery and three counts of first-degree child abuse, multiple news outlets reported, including WALB. At the time of her arrest, she was held on a $44,000 bond, WCTV reported. She has since been released.
After her release, a judge received threats as a result. “The rule of law is the foundation of our community,” District Attorney Joe Mulholland of the South Georgia Circuit shared in a statement released by WCTV.
“Our judges deserve to perform their duties without fear for their safety. You may not like their decisions, but you don’t have the right to threaten them or their families,” Mulholland added.
