BigBear57....it's a shame that in most states family court and criminal court don't consult.
I am a GAL for my district court and deal with both the courts and families, often families where mental illness is an obstacle. I realize not all situations are preventable but I see the gigantic discrepancies(race, sex, income) in the make up of the courts, in as far as the welfare of children is concerned.
I hope she gets put away forever as well but I am also convinced that in many many of these cases something could have been done to prevent the murders if only someone made different choices. Be it the family member who knew the person was a time bomb, or the case worker who should have taken the children into custody, or a neighbor/ teacher/ friend to call an abuse hotline, or the judge who awards custody.
As a teacher, if I fail to report abuse, of any kind, I can be found negligent. I think the same consequences should hold true for every and any one who is responsible for the well being of that child.