Child abuse investigation at Archdiocese facility

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Police are investigating a possible case of child abuse involving an Archdiocese of Philadelphia facility.

It was an employee at Mercy Hospice on S. 13th Street who first noticed what appeared to be signs of child abuse on the youngsters who were living with their mother.

The authorities were called, the children were hospitalized, and the Philadelphia Police Special Victims Unit is now handling the investigation.

Mercy Hospice is a Center City shelter run by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. It is a place for homeless women and children to grow and heal in their time of need.

And while information about cases like these is strictly confidential, Archdiocesan officials did send Action News a statement saying, in part, "there is no indication that any staff member of the facility is suspected of responsibility for the incident."

Meantime, Captain John Darby from the Special Victims Unit confirms there are currently no suspects in this case and the children remain hospitalized in stable condition.

"Both were received at the hospital with swelling and bruising about the head and face. We also have some information about at least one possible fracture involving the 3-month-old," Darby said.

The children will be taken to the Department of Human Services once released from the hospital.