Every child needs a home where they feel safe and loved. But for one young girl, a place of care turned into a place of trade.

WHAT HAPPENED

Brenda Deutsch was supposed to care for her foster daughter. Instead, she gave the girl away to get a pet monkey.

She told police she did it because she and the child were not getting along. She felt the trade was a way to solve her problems at home.

Police found out about the trade during a check on the girl. They were shocked to find a monkey where a child should have been.

What the proof shows

• Brenda Deutsch is 70 years old.
• She pleaded guilty to one felony count.
• The charge is first-degree child endangerment.
• Police found out during a welfare check.
• The trade happened in Missouri.

THE BIGGER QUESTION

How does a child slip through the cracks so badly? This case makes us look at the people who watch over our foster homes.

If a child can be traded for an animal, who is checking on these kids? We need to ask if the system is too weak to keep kids safe.

WHAT HAPPENS NOW

This case is causing a lot of anger in Missouri. People want new rules to track foster kids more closely.

It shows that the system needs better ways to protect kids. We must make sure no other child is ever treated like a piece of property.

WHAT WE STILL DON'T KNOW

Where is the monkey now?

• How long was the girl gone before police found out?
• Who was the person who took the child in exchange for the monkey?