In a troubling incident, authorities in Arizona forcibly removed a two-year-old boy from his home after his parents opted against taking him to the emergency room for a concerning fever of 105 degrees. The boy, who is unvaccinated, was seen by a doctor who subsequently alerted the Department of Child Safety (DCS) when the parents failed to follow medical advice.
The doctor had strongly recommended that the parents seek immediate medical attention for their child. However, the mother claimed that the fever subsided later, prompting them to take their son home instead. Yet, when the doctor learned that the child had not been taken to Cardon Children’s Hospital, they contacted DCS, which led to police involvement.
Brooks Allen, the father, received a call from Chandler Police requesting a welfare check, which he declined. Later that night, officers were dispatched to their residence and, upon hearing a child’s cough but not receiving a response from the parents, they gained access to the home through forced entry. This action was taken under a DCS court order that sought temporary custody due to a “potentially life-threatening illness.”
In a statement, DCS clarified their rationale: “After consulting with Chandler Police detectives, the family was given a final chance to take their child to the hospital. When they did not comply, the door was breached, and family members were called out.” Footage captured officers in tactical gear entering the home, resulting in the removal of not only the two-year-old but also his four and six-year-old siblings. Two children were transported to the hospital by ambulance, while the third accompanied a DCS agent. The parents were not arrested, but an investigation is ongoing to determine if any criminal charges will follow.
The children are currently residing with their grandparents, who were granted custody by DCS. A hearing is scheduled next month where the parents hope to regain custody. DCS noted that police intervention is consistent with a 2017 state law requiring a court order prior to child removal, which was amended the following year to permit police to use reasonable force for entry in such cases.
Arizona House Representative Kelly Townsend, who supported the law, expressed concerns about potential overreach by authorities in this situation. She stated, “We need to reassess where we draw the line concerning disagreements between medical professionals and parents.” Meanwhile, the mother’s attorney, Jamie Brooks, criticized the police’s actions, arguing that forcibly entering the home was excessive and violated the family’s rights.
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In summary, this incident underscores the tension between parental rights and medical guidance, raising questions about the appropriate actions when parents refuse treatment for their children.