Texas Kidnapped This Mother's Child Because She Didn't Treat Him With Questionable Medication. Now She is Fighting to Get Him Back
What happens when Child Protective Services gets it wrong?
In the heart of Central Texas, a distressing tale has unfolded, revealing the deeply flawed underbelly of the child protective services (CPS) system. The story of Joslyn Sanders and her son Josiah serves as a poignant reminder of the immense power wielded by state agencies and the dire consequences when that power is misused.
Joslyn Sanders welcomed her son Josiah into the world in May 2021, a moment of pure joy for her and her father, Jason Sanders. Little did they know that their lives would soon be turned upside down by a series of events that would land them in a harrowing battle for Josiah's custody.
The ordeal began innocently enough in March 2023 when Joslyn, concerned about Josiah's eating difficulties post-breastfeeding, sought medical advice. A minor seizure and a mild calcium deficiency prompted a visit to the pediatrician, but Josiah's condition seemed to be improving.
Fast forward to October 2023, and Josiah developed a rash, leading to another doctor's visit. This time, a prescription for a topical steroid cream and an antibiotic was given. However, the situation took a turn for the worse when Josiah's condition worsened, prompting his mother to seek help from Green Apple Therapy for Feeding Difficulties in early December.
By December 20, Josiah's condition had improved, but swelling persisted, prompting another trip to the primary care physician. What followed was a baffling decision by the doctor at Dallas Children's Hospital to prescribe Clindamycin, a potent antibiotic with serious side effects, despite Josiah's relatively minor infection.
This decision set off a chain of events that would forever change the course of Joslyn and Josiah's lives. Refusing to subject her son to unnecessary risks, Joslyn opted to withdraw Josiah from treatment and explore alternative options. Little did she know that this decision would spark the intervention of CPS.
On December 21, CPS agents, accompanied by armed police officers, arrived at the Sanders' home under the guise of a wellness check. What followed was a chilling display of authority as Joslyn was informed that her son was being removed from her care on allegations of "medical neglect."
Unfortunately, on the same day, CPS repeatedly called Joslyn after finding out that she refused to allow her son to be placed on Clindamycin. CPS agents, accompanied by two armed police officers, came to Sanders’ home to conduct a wellness check. They demanded that Joslyn bring Josiah to Dallas Children’s Hospital again, but she refused, informing the agent that she already has a pediatrician and nutritionist for her child.
Joslyn recounted the details of the visit, explaining that the CPS worker provided a notification of rights. The mother noticed on the document that the agency must have a court order to conduct wellness checks. When she brought this up, the agent told her that CPS was taking Josiah from the home due to "medical neglect."
“So I was asking her, I was like, ‘Where’s your court order at? It says that on this document that you gave me, you have to have a court order.’ After I asked her that, she stepped outside. When she came back in, she then said, ‘You no longer have the opportunity or the choice to take your son back to the hospital. We’re taking your kid.’ And she took my Josiah. She told us that we can follow her back to Children’s Dallas. We followed her in two different cars. We got down there, we checked in at the front desk, we got our name badges, and then we went up to where they just check your vitals and stuff. That’s when another CPS worker showed up, and she told security to kick us out, and we had to go across the street."
Despite Joslyn's protests and insistence that she had been diligently seeking medical care for Josiah, CPS proceeded to take custody of the child, plunging the family into a nightmare of bureaucratic red tape and uncertainty.
As Josiah languished in state custody, Joslyn and Jason fought tirelessly to regain custody and ensure that Josiah received the proper medical care he deserved. However, their efforts were met with resistance at every turn, with CPS blocking access to Josiah's medical records and limiting visitation rights to a mere one hour per week under strict supervision.
Meanwhile, Josiah's health deteriorated, with alarming symptoms emerging, including fever, coughing, swollen stomach, and vomiting—known side effects of the antibiotic Clindamycin that CPS had unilaterally administered against Joslyn's wishes.
Despite their relentless efforts to navigate the labyrinthine legal system and hold CPS accountable for its actions, the Sanders family's fight for justice is far from over. Their story serves as a sobering reminder of the unchecked power of state agencies and the urgent need for reform within the child protective services system.
Unfortunately, the Sanders’ situation is not an isolated case. This same scenario has played out for numerous families across the nation. Countless numbers of parents have lost their children after being falsely accused of abuse.
In the face of adversity, Joslyn and Jason remain unwavering in their determination to reunite their family and ensure that Josiah's rights are upheld. Their courageous battle shines a light on the systemic failures and injustices that plague CPS and serves as a rallying cry for change.
As the Sanders family continues to fight for justice, their story serves as a stark reminder of the importance of holding government agencies accountable and advocating for the rights of vulnerable children and families everywhere.