Politics & Government
Plymouth Parents Battle Hennepin County Child Protection: Report
The Star Tribune reported on the struggle of the Slavens of Plymouth when authorities suspected them of child abuse after their infant's injury.
A Plymouth family's ordeal with Hennepin County child protection is the subject of a Star Tribune article that examines the tension between insuring safety of children and providing due process for parents.
In 2009, 2-month-old Caleb fell about 2 feet at the Slaven home in Plymouth and hit his head, according to the newspaper:
Days later, instead of hospital discharge papers, the Slavens got notice that their son was being placed in emergency protective custody by Hennepin County, based on suspicion of child abuse. It triggered a two-month legal ordeal for the Slavens—with county officials eventually admitting they made a mistake—that lays bare the risks and ambiguities of child protection law.
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The Slavens’ bid to sue the Hennepin County in federal court ended unsuccessfully late last month, but they say their case is Exhibit A of a “guilty until proven innocent” child welfare system.
Find out what's happening in Plymouthwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Related:
- Hennepin County Seeks Citizens for Child Protection Panel
- Parent's Talk: Minneapolis Child Shooting Brings Up Questions
- Patch Pro: Figuring Out Family Conflicts
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