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In a Denton County courtroom, a contentious legal battle is underway as a mother challenges the state’s decision to remove her son from their home after she left a pediatric hospital against medical advice to seek treatment elsewhere.
The case centers around 2-year-old Josiah Sanders, who was removed from his home by Child Protective Services (CPS) more than 65 days ago.
According to records, in December, Josiah’s pediatrician advised his mother, Joslyn Sanders, who uses a wheelchair, to take him to Children’s Medical Center Dallas due to weight loss and a concerning rash.
Sanders objected to the antibiotic prescribed by doctors and left the hospital against medical advice, intending to take him to his pediatrician instead.
During a recent court hearing, the hospital’s pediatrician, Dr. Suzanne Dakil, testified that Josiah’s condition was severe, with skin issues and swelling, putting him at risk of death without immediate hospital care.
When Sanders left the hospital, doctors reported the incident to CPS, prompting a CPS worker to visit their home with police.
Although police didn’t find signs of abuse or neglect, the CPS worker took Josiah back to Children’s Dallas without a court order, despite Sanders’ plan to take him to Children’s Plano.
After a two-month hospital stay, Josiah’s health has improved, with an eight-pound weight gain following treatment. Doctors testified tht Sanders could have prevented the situation by taking him directly to another hospital.
Josiah’s pediatrician defended Sanders as a caring mother with valid concerns, attributing the situation to communication issues between doctors.
The CPS investigator involved has yet to testify, and the hearing is ongoing, with over ten witnesses expected to testify.
Sanders expressed her desire for a swift resolution and her faith in justice, refuting the hospital’s claim about her son’s improved health and alleging CPS rushed to judgment without giving her a chance.
Josiah remains in the care of a family acquaintance as the legal proceedings continue.