The Awakening by Lorhainne Eckhart Page B

discovered them reported that they were both cold and the child appeared hungry. With the mandate of Child Protective Services, in cases where we see an imminent danger for a child, immediate apprehension is warranted. The sheriff acted, and the said child, Gabriel Parnell, is now in the care of the state. We’d also note to the court that there appears to be a neurological deficit with the said minor and would ask the court’s permission to have him assessed.”
    Laura grabbed Diana’s arm and whispered angrily.
    Diana jumped up. “I object, Your Honor. Neurological deficit? What is this? I think the mother here has the right to know what is going on.”
    Andy nudged Jed. He shook his head.
    “Ms. … what is your name?” the judge asked in way that sounded as if she were wasting everyone’s time.
    “That’s Mrs. Friessen, sir.” It sounded as if she ground the words out.
    The judge jerked off his glasses and squinted, sitting up straighter. It was obvious to this judge that the Friessen name meant something. The judge gestured toward Mr. Tate. “I have to agree with Mrs. Friessen. What is this neurological deficit? Come on. Details, please.” The judge gestured toward the counsel.
    Mr. Tate glanced back at the social worker and whispered something. The social worker stood.
    “Your Honor, I would ask that James Hill, the social worker who apprehended the minor, be allowed to speak, as he has details on the problem that’s been brought to light.”
    “Of course. Mr. Hill, step forward,” responded the judge.
    James Hill pushed the gate open. He was a man of average height and a large girth, wearing a ratty tweed jacket and a green, spotted tie. He swept back his brown hair, which was a little on the long side and drooped over his forehead. “Your Honor, Gabriel Parnell is unable to talk. He is a four-year-old boy. He has loud outbursts and screaming fits and doesn’t appear to understand when the foster parents he’s been placed with communicate with him. These parents have been in the foster system for twenty years, taking in hundreds of children who’ve needed a home. Child development comes naturally, and they’ve had more than their share of special needs children. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome tops the list. So the basic medical needs of this child, as well, have been overlooked. I mean, Judge, that there is something wrong with this child. He may need medication. It’s a serious problem, and the generous folks fostering this boy need to be granted the authority to have him assessed.” James glanced at Mr. Tate.
    The judge cleared his throat. “Mr. Hill, thank you for clarifying this. I think I’m ready to rule.”
    Diana jumped up again; Andy was ready to push through the gate.
    “Your Honor, you have not allowed our petition to be heard, and we have witnesses to call. These so-called foster parents...”
    The judge waved his pudgy hand. “Next outburst from you and I’ll hold you in contempt, and you’ll be spending the night as a guest of the county jail. Now sit down. I’m ready to rule.”
    The judge cleared his throat and appeared to be reading something. “There is evidence of gross negligence on the part of the young mother, part of which I contribute to age, to being too young to have the wisdom to raise a child. With no father in the picture and the addition of the gross neglect of an obvious medical problem, maybe from the mother drinking while pregnant, she has added another FAS child to society.”
    Laura gasped. Diana grabbed her arm and shook her head.
    The judge glanced angrily at Laura. “Gabriel will stay a ward of the state, and I grant the state the right to assume and take care of all medical needs of the child, so yes, by all means, get this child assessed or whatever it is you need to do, Mr. Hill. And until such assessment takes place, the mother shall be limited to supervised visits, which she will arrange through Mr. Hill after the New Year. The visits will last no more