Markes: “I’m Glad It’s Almost Over

By Pat Peterson Reporter
.

19-year old mother charged with felony child neglect gets parental control of terminally ill son Markes: “I’m Glad It’s Almost Over
Published: Mon, June 02, 2008 - 6:44 pm
Pat Peterson
Pat Peterson
"I'm overwhelmed with it," says Erin Markes. "I'm really happy that they decided to do that, I didn't think it was coming this soon, but I'm happy with it."

Erin Markes continues to win legal battles involving her arrest on child neglect charges and losing her four-year old son, Jaden, to state custody. On Monday, a Santa Rosa County judge granted Markes "reunification" status...which means Markes now has parental control over Jaden.

In March, state social workers placed Jaden in a hospice facility after Markes was charged with felony child neglect. Doctors say Jaden was malnourished and only weighed ten pounds at the time. But since then, the state has dropped all charges against Markes and has granted her parental control.

"I'm now more free with him," says Markes. "I just want to hurry up and get this all over with, I did not neglect my son. I've done nothing wrong."

Jaden suffers from a rare and life-threatening brain disorder. Markes' supporters say that's why the boy looked unhealthy and malnourished.

"He's doing better," says Markes. "I'm ready for him to come home."

The Florida Department of Children and Family Services granted Markes reunification status as long as Jaden remains in a hospice center.


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I couldn’t make a judgement with the information provided so far, but you would want to err on the side of the child’s welfare if you erred at all. From I what I read here is that the child was malnourished and neglected to some extent and was in a life threatening situation other than the brain disorder. Whether the neglect was un-intentional or not I have no way of knowing. I don’t think i would have arrested the mother, but I would have taken steps, as were taken, to see to the welfare of the child. As I asked earlier, Has the child improved since being under the care of Social Workers and the Hospice? If so, then I’m glad they took the steps they did on the child’s welfare. As for the mother, from the information provided, I have no idea if or what she might be guilty of, As for the boy friend’s comments I give no weight, because he’s just a boy friend, even though I think I know why he remains just a boy friend and if so, It’s to his credit. I am glad the child has improved.

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OK, where’s all the apologies people?? Wow, this is pretty pathetic on the court’s part. It just goes to show they really don’t check into things before arresting people. WHO turned her in to begin with ? I can’t believe all they’ve put this family through, over a misunderstanding. I hope and pray that this family gets back together soon.

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Wow… I feel bad for doubting this persons parenting ability.  There are a lot of bad parents out there… but there are also a lot of good ones. Its easy to jump to conclusions.

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