Maryland mother left children, 3 and 5, home alone while she went to work, police say

A mother is facing charges after she left two children, ages 3 and 5, home alone inside a Harford County apartment, police say. 

Aberdeen Police said they received a report Thursday morning about two young children left unattended inside the apartment on Northeast Road. 

When officers arrived shortly after 11:30 a.m., they found two girls alone inside. Police said the children were found in unsafe and unsanitary living conditions and they appeared to be lethargic. 

They were taken to a hospital for further evaluation. 

Police said they located the children's mother, 23-year-old Kahliyah Gooding, at her work and placed her under arrest. 

She allegedly told officers she left the girls home because she could not afford daycare. 

Police said Gooding was arrested on similar charges on May 6. 

"I can appreciate someone being in that situation, but we have to make adult decisions, and that involves creating a plan -- talking to family members, using social services, other resources that are available in the community -- and make those calls ahead of time," said Aberdeen Police Cpt. William Reiber. "In the event that you can't find adequate supervision, call the authorities and explain what's going on. Don't make the decision to leave your kids alone."

Child Protective Services has now taken custody of the children. 

Another mother in Harford County was charged with leaving her young children unattended earlier this week inside an unlocked car in the parking lot of a Walmart. 

"The Aberdeen Police Department reminds parents and caregivers that leaving young children unattended in a vehicle, even for a short period, can place them at significant risk and may result in criminal charges," police said in a press release.