Mom accused of neglect worked for FSSA

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - An Indianapolis mother accused of smoking crack and drinking while her 11-month-old child wandered west side streets this past weekend is expected to appear in court Wednesday morning.

She is currently in Liberty Hall, a women’s jail in downtown Indy on a $50,000 bond.

On Tuesday, 24-Hour News 8 uncovered more about 38-year-old Tuesday House’s past. While she is currently facing a felony child neglect charge, it’s not the first time she has been charged with a felony.

In 1997, House was arrested for felony battery and convicted soon after. In 1998, she was arrested and convicted for theft.

Saturday night, 11-month-old Nevaeh House was found wandering near the intersection of 21st and Harding streets. Police say her mother Tuesday left her home alone for hours while partying with friends.

Nevaeh was not hurt and is now in foster care.

House has previously been under investigation by the Department of Child Services. Child Services Director Judge James Payne couldn’t talk to 24-Hour News 8 about House’s history with the agency.

“Under federal law we are prohibited from disclosing any information about a child and family we are involved with,” said Payne.

But Metro Child Abuse Detective Julie Dutrieux did talk to 24-Hour News 8 about the case. She said House was under investigation by the Department of Child Services regarding another child, a boy, who Dutrieux says is now 11 years old. Dutrieux said House no longer has custody of the boy.

24-Hour News 8 also learned that House’s most recent job was with a state agency that helps Hoosier families, Indiana Family and Social Services Administration.

An Administration spokesperson confirmed that House was working at FSSA since the beginning of November on a temporary basis.

That spokesperson said House was hired through the employment agency, Alpha-Rae Personnel. 24-Hour News 8 left a message with an Alpha-Rae spokesperson, but no one returned the call.