Children need their parents, especially during the holidays.

        While creating memories this holiday season, remember those longing to be with their children. Parents who sought medical help for their sick child, only to have their child taken by Child Protective Services and/or placed in a psychiatric unit.  These children will spend the holiday separated from their parents, alone with their feelings of confusion, sorrow, and isolation, while wondering if their parents have forgotten them. Although their bodies may deteriorate physically from the deprived medical care, it is their soul deprived of loving childhood connections which may be at greatest risk. So as you hold your child this season, remember it is a freedom denied to some. 

        For example, here is a video of Justina Pelletier begging to be reunited with her family, before she was released after 16 months. Please do not underestimate how frequently this happens. A Boston Children's Hospital attorney told me personally that I had "to understand this happens all of the time here", referring to their hospital. We have a research study which provides a strong basis for estimating how many children an hour in the US are erroneously reported to Child Protective Services due to their medical condition, and/or placed in a psychiatric unit against their parent's will. We are waiting to release the numbers, until it is published. The Pediatric Justice Association is working with the medical establishment to reverse this trend and create a safer medical environment for your children and grandchildren.