http://www.myfoxhouston.com/dpp/news/investigates/100330-cps-does-about-face-accuses-parents-of-abuse(Video Avail)
CPS Does About Face, Accuses Parents Of AbuseMarch 30, 2010
HOUSTON - Landon Weber, 4, is one of two little boys that FOX 26 Investigates presented that have spent alot of time in hospitals. The mothers of both little boys were under investigation by Childrens Protective Services for medical child abuse.
"That happens when for one reason or another the medical system is used to perpetrate physical abuse on the child," said Valerie Brock, an assistant County Attorney representing CPS.
While both cases are ongoing, FOX 26 has a dramatic development when it comes to little Landon.
His mother, as well as some doctors, say Landon has a rare disorder called Mitochondrial disease. Some studies claim the symptoms of that disease can cause false allegations of medical child abuse to be lodged against parents.
Two months ago this is what CPS had to say about Landon's mother: "She's having to care for a child who has a lot of medical needs. he's medically fragile the family just needs training," CPS's Estella Oguin told FOX 26 Investigates.
But now CPS believes the exact opposite -- that Landon Weber is the victim of medical child abuse.
"I think we all were a little surprised," said Brock.
CPS had an independent medical evaluation done on Landon. Just days ago, that doctor testified in court, Landon has no medical condition whatsoever. His problems are because of his mother.
"I think that given the findings that we have that the parents have been involved in some medical child abuse," said Brock.
"I'm horrified," said Landon's mother Jennifer Weber.
The court testimony accusing Landon's parents and even possibly his grandparents of causing his medical problems came as a shock to the Webers.
"It's about the worst thing you could have to do as a parent," that's how Landon's father James Weber described listening to the court testimony.
Landon has feeding and ostomy bags attached to his body.
"His digestive system has been described as dysfunctional," Brock said.
The doctor hired by CPS testified those bags had an unknown substance in them that could cause infections.
"They were not able to find out exactly what was in the bags," Brock said. "Still it was kind of a suspicious and concerning circumstance."
The judge granted CPS's request that Landon's parents and even his grandparents have absolutely no contact with him not even supervised visits.
"It's crazy, this is not justice", Charles Weber, Landon's grandfather said.
Charles Weber said cops ordered his wife out of Landon's hospital room.
"About 5 minutes after the court hearing a police officer escorts her out of the room and takes her out of the building," the distraught grandfather said. "that's ridiculous."
"The frustrating thing is CPS isn't doing it's job," the Weber's attorney Chris Branson said.
Branson accuses CPS of ignoring doctors who say Landon is really sick.
"So they not only want to take the child away from the parents and grandparents they appear to want to put the parents in jail as well," Branson said.
CPS's next move, terminating the Weber's parental rights.
"I'm extremely concerned especially since we have'nt done anything to harm him," Landon's father said.
"It's a terrible thing that's happening and it needs to be stopped," Landon's mother said.
While CPS insists there is nothing physically wrong with Landon, his parents say they will do what they've been doing for 6 months. They will fight.
