lawyer who defends munchausen by proxy dcf jax fl

What is the most famous case of Munchausen by proxy?

There are many famous cases of Munchausen syndrome. Perhaps the most publicized recent case is that of Dee Dee Blanchard. Blanchard kept her daughter Gypsy in a wheelchair throughout her life. In addition, Blanchard claimed Gypsy had leukemia, muscular dystrophy, and other ailments.

How do I report Munchausen by proxy?

Call 911 if you know a child who is in immediate danger because of abuse or neglect. You can also call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453).

Did Kathy Bush go to jail?

Breaking News. Kathy Bush was convicted of aggravated child abuse in 1999 and sentenced to five years in prison. She spent three years locked up, was released in June 2005 and that same year, reunited with her estranged daughter after she turned 18.

Where is Kathy and Jennifer Bush now?

When she was old enough, she made it clear she did not want to be in the spotlight. Now 27, she is happily married and has fully reunited with her parents, Kathy and Craig Bush, who live in Georgia, and her brothers, Matthew and Jason. She still fiercely protects her privacy and does not want to reveal where she lives.

Is Munchausen by proxy a crime?

Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy allegations are extremely serious. If charged with child abuse, a parent may lose custody of his or her child. If convicted, serious criminal penalties will follow, including long-term imprisonment and heavy fines.

What is Ganser syndrome?

Ganser's syndrome is a rare and controversial condition, whose main and most striking feature is the production of approximate answers (or near misses) to very simple questions.

Is Jennifer Bush healthy?

0:201:44Jennifer Bush Says She Wasn't A Victim of Abuse By Mom - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipForm of child abuse is called munchausen syndrome by proxy Jennifer Bush is now 27 years old and hasMoreForm of child abuse is called munchausen syndrome by proxy Jennifer Bush is now 27 years old and has fully reunited with her mother Jennifer Bush released a written statement Tuesday.

How many surgeries did Jennifer Bush have?

For years, Jennifer Bush had been in and out of hospitals. By the time she was 8, she had been hospitalized more than 200 times, and had undergone more than 40 surgeries. Doctors had removed her gallbladder, her appendix and part of her intestines. She was often nourished through feeding tubes.

How common is Munchausens?

How Common Is Munchausen Syndrome? There are no reliable statistics regarding the number of people in the U.S. who suffer from Munchausen syndrome, but it is considered to be a rare condition. Obtaining accurate statistics is difficult because dishonesty is common with this illness.

How old is Jennifer Bush?

Jennifer Bush, now 27, was separated from her parents and brothers in 1995 and placed in foster care amid allegations that her mother, Kathy Bush, who sought help from Washington to help pay for her mounting medical bills, deliberately made her young daughter so ill that Jennifer was hospitalized over 200 times and ...

What is Munchausen's by proxy?

Munchausen syndrome by proxy is a mental illness and a form of child abuse. The caretaker of a child, most often a mother, either makes up fake symptoms or causes real symptoms to make it look like the child is sick.

What is Munchhausen Syndrome?

Munchausen by Proxy Syndrome, or “MBP” is a description of a particular form of child abuse or neglect in which a parent or caregiver intentionally falsifies, induces, or exaggerates symptoms or illness related to their child. It does not describe a medical condition for a child. Rather, it is a psychological disorder where the caregiver vicariously, or by proxy, assumes the role of the reportedly sick or injured child. The caregiver does this as a way of getting attention and sympathy from others.

What happens if a parent practices MBP in Michigan?

In Michigan, when a parent or caregiver actively practices MBP, the consequences often involve CPS filing a Petition in court to make your children wards of the court, or to terminate your parental rights entirely. These are civil cases, although they can have devastating consequences for a family. When these petitions are filed, they often result in all of the children being immediately taken into foster care, and supervised parenting time orders being put into place. Many parents who have had difficulty working with medical staff will have an even more difficult time working with CPS parenting time supervisors.

What is a mandated reporter in Michigan?

This means that, by law, they must report actual or suspected child abuse or neglect to Children’s Protective Services. Because a mandated reporter who fails to file a report of suspected child abuse or neglect will be subject to both civil and criminal liability, they will always err on the side of caution and file form 3200 with the state. In a civil action, the mandated reporter may be held liable for all damages that any person suffers due to the mandated reporter’s failure to file a report. In a criminal action, the mandated reporter may be found guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to 93 days and a fine of $500.

Who does the child abuse evaluation in Michigan?

Therefore, it is common for a child abuse evaluation to be done by Dr. Debra Simms or Dr. Bethany Mohr. However, most hospitals today have a Child Protection Team (CPT) and many have board certified Child Abuse Pediatricians on staff as well.

Harmful Caregiving

In certain situations, a caregiver may harm a child through caregiving practices. Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy (i.e. factitious disorder imposed on another) is an interesting example of harmful caregiving.

The Symptoms of Munchausen Syndrome

Parents or caregivers who have Munchausen Syndrome typically have a deep-rooted need for attention. In their efforts to get attention, they may purposefully poison a child, fail to provide adequate food and water, or even induce conditions such as infections.

The Cause and Effect

The cause of Munchausen Syndrome is little understood; although many experts agree the perpetrator of the abuse (i.e. parent or caregiver) has a pathological need for attention. Many perpetrators were also abused as children. A child victim can suffer physically from unneeded medical treatment.

What does MSBP do to a child?

Someone with MSBP will purposely try to deceive others, normally medical professionals. This person will also go to lengths to make sure that their child has symptoms of the disease or illness. In some extreme cases, a caregiver might do this by poisoning, medicating, injuring or even suffocating the child. Perpetrators of Munchausen’s research various illnesses, their symptoms, and their prognosis to be well-prepared to converse with medical professionals and other caregivers.

Is Munchausen Syndrome a rare disorder?

Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy is actually a rare disorder, but accusations of it have been popping up in Michigan more frequently. Sometimes, when a child has a difficult-to-diagnose illness or another condition that’s difficult to treat, doctors blame it on MSbP. Children’s Protective Services (CPS) cases are more commonly pointing to MSbP because it is a disorder that can be easily accused, but hard to disprove. This wrongfully puts the burden of proof on the caregiver, not the doctors.

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