Oregon Returns One of Two Kids It Seized From Low-IQ Couple

Amy Fabbrini and Eric Ziegler of Redmond, Oregon have not been accused of abuse or neglect, and “both have standard high school diplomas,” reported Samantha Swindler in The Oregonian this summer. But the state of Oregon deems their IQs to be too low and has seized their two sons in what has turned into a four-year battle.  

I was a guest in August on Glenn Beck’s radio show to discuss the case. The Blaze summarizes:

Essentially, the state doesn’t have to prove anything definite to take away a child; the argument is that they are going by the expert’s recommendation for what’s best just in case something could happen. In Fabbrini’s case, her estranged father has told authorities that she is an unfit mother; however, people closer to her have vouched for her ability to parent.

“If they [authorities] want to take your child, they’ve got him,” Olson said….

“It’s been called [‘worst-first’] thinking,” he explained. “If you’re in the child protection business, then, you know, everything looks like a danger. … You always think the worst possible thing could happen.”

And now, from The Oregonian, word of a joyous—though only partial—reunion: 

Four days before Christmas, a Redmond couple received their miracle. Amy Fabbrini and Eric Ziegler’s 10-month-old son Hunter will spend his first Christmas at home after a judge found the couple’s limited cognitive abilities did not make them unfit to parent.

But the ruling does not reverse the termination of the couple’s parental rights over 4-year-old Christopher, who is deemed to have more complex needs because of developmental hurdles; they will be back next month in court to fight that. 

As they say, hug your loved ones close this holiday season and rejoice if you have the good fortune to be together (adapted from Overlawyered).