Dana Mooney, a mother of a 17-year-old autistic son, Preston, who has leukemia, stopped his chemotherapy treatment after eight months due to his declining health. She sought alternative treatments, finding a doctor who offered a plan based on genetic testing, which revealed a mutation preventing chemo absorption. Despite Preston’s improvement on the alternative treatment, a referral was made against Dana, accusing her of mistreatment, and Preston was placed in state custody, requiring him to resume chemotherapy.
A mother was pressured by DHS and a caseworker to admit her autistic son to OU Children’s Hospital, despite her concerns about the treatment plan and the hospital’s financial incentives. The mother felt intimidated and coerced into signing paperwork, fearing separation from her son. The situation highlights the concerning power dynamics between state agencies, hospitals, and parents in medical decision-making.
Preston, a 17-year-old with autism, was taken into state custody after a caseworker, with a signed court order, tricked his mother, Dana, into handing him over. Despite Dana’s objections and Preston’s own wishes, the state administered chemotherapy and a blood transfusion, disregarding his preference for alternative medicine. The situation raises concerns about the lack of transparency and the power dynamics involved in such decisions.
Roberta Lewis observed a DHS-contracted sitter, hired through the company Synergy, who was unaware of the family’s situation and only there to “sit.” The sitter’s role was to observe the family, creating an intimidating environment and hindering open communication. Lewis questioned the purpose of these sitters, noting their lack of training, reporting responsibilities, and the potential misuse of taxpayer funds.
The state of Oklahoma is currently footing the bill for medical treatment for Preston, a child in DHS custody. This situation highlights the violation of parental authority and bodily autonomy, as well as the need for transparency in the court system and a new model for the DHS. The case is gaining national attention and may be the catalyst for change in the system.
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