Teen with Leukemia Removed from Canadian County Mom Over Alleged Medical Negligence
Controversy Erupts Over DHS Custody of Oklahoma Teen Amid Medical Dispute
Lawmakers Rally for Teen’s Return in Oklahoma City
A 17-year-old boy in Canadian County, battling leukemia, has become the center of a heated custody and medical care debate. His removal from his mother’s custody, Dayna Mooney, citing medical negligence, has sparked a public outcry. The Department of Human Services (DHS) stepped in to take custody after a court-approved order following a petition. This move has provoked protests from state lawmakers and the boy’s family representative, urging his return to his mother’s care.
Family’s Medical Decisions Under Scrutiny
The DHS investigation was instigated when extended family members raised concerns about the teen’s medical treatment plan. These concerns led to DHS’s involvement, resulting in the teenager’s hospitalization and subsequent medical procedures, including chemotherapy and transfusions under state care. Previously, the teen had been under the treatment of a naturopathic doctor.
Public Protest at OU Children’s Hospital
Over the weekend, lawmakers gathered outside OU Children’s Hospital in Oklahoma City, advocating for the return of the 17-year-old to his family. Oklahoma gubernatorial candidate Jake Merrick, along with Senator Shane Jett, expressed their support, emphasizing the mother’s dedication to her son’s wellbeing. Merrick remarked on the family’s efforts in addressing the teen’s health challenges, while Jett accused DHS of financial motivations behind the custody.
Emergency Custody Hearing Held Amidst Gag Order
An emergency custody hearing was conducted on Monday, lasting several hours, though it concluded with the child still in DHS care. A gag order has restricted the sharing of details from the court proceedings. Despite this, a family representative confirmed that the teen continues to receive medical procedures deemed unnecessary by his family due to the state’s intervention.
Call for Transparency and Accountability in Oklahoma
The Mooney family’s attorney voiced concerns about the transparency of the judicial and child protective systems. They proposed measures such as redaction or case summaries release to increase accountability among district attorneys and judges. Strong allegations have emerged suggesting DHS workers may have provided inaccurate information during the court process. Without systemic transparency, they argue, substantial reform to protect Oklahoma families remains elusive.
DHS Responds to Allegations
In a public statement, DHS defended its actions, explaining its role within the larger child protection system in Oklahoma. They highlighted that any decisions are made in collaboration with external law enforcement, district attorneys, and the courts, asserting that DHS does not have unilateral authority in these matters.
