Opinion ID: 1298495
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: The Petition, Amended Petition and Preliminary Proceedings

Text: The day after that visit, March 1, 2000, Mr. Propst, acting for the DHHR, filed a petition against the Appellant, alleging that she had neglected her children. The petition alleged that the mobile home was dirty and had no running water. In the petition, Mr. Propst explained that the Appellant had cursed him and the DHHR for not being there when needed and sticking our noses up her ass when we didn't need to. Mr. Propst further alleged in the petition that the Appellant had failed to keep medical appointments and that a truancy warrant was pending for her failure to send the children to school. No allegations of abuse were filed, and the petition stated that the DHHR did not believe that there existed any imminent danger to the children. Incident to filing the petition, an order was entered granting emergency powers to the DHHR, and the children were taken to physicians for examinations under the authority of that order. All children were healthy, except two-month old Benny, who had low weight and was diagnosed with failure to thrive. He was admitted for hospitalization on March 1, 2000, and discharged to foster care on March 4, 2000. [6] The lower court conducted a hearing for further temporary relief on March 9, 2000, and placed the children in the legal custody of the DHHR. Edward, John, David, and George were placed in the physical custody of Mr. David F., the biological father of John, David, and George. The infant, Benny, was placed with the State due to his special medical needs. The Appellant was granted visitation with the children. [7] An amended petition was filed on April 7, 2000, alleging that Benny suffered from failure to thrive and further alleging that the infant suffered a rash where the Appellant had taped a diaper to his skin.