Is 14 Year Old Mother Being Held Prisoner and Denied Legal Counsel After DHR Kidnapped her Baby?
Health Impact News spoke with Lisa Chasteen, the attorney who has been retained by the family to represent Braelon's mother and her twin brother, and Chasteen has some concerns about recent developments in the story, as she attempts to provide legal counsel for the twins. Due to the long holiday weekend, the attorney could not file a notice of appearance with the court until Tuesday, but as of the time of writing this update on Wednesday July 6th, she has still not been able to file her notice of appearance. When Attorney Chasteen attempted to talk with the young mother at the hospital, the DHR attorney reportedly refused to allow her to speak with her, denying the mother her right to counsel. The DHR attorney communicated to Chasteen that they are not the ones limiting visitation with the young mother, stating that it is the hospital's policies and procedures which are limiting the visitors. Health Impact News phoned the hospital and inquired about the visitation policy. We were told that visitation is from 9 am to 9 pm, but that it may be limited either by the parents, the doctor, or DHR. According to the Patient's Bill of Rights, visitation may be limited "when Children's (Hospital) is aware of an existing court order restricting contact." There is no such court order, and the family has not restricted visitation. However, the attorney for the twins reports that family and loved ones have been threatened and restricted in visiting and supporting the mother.