In its 2-to-1 decision released Thursday, the court slammed Kent County
Family Court Judge Patricia Gardner, as well as an attorney who fought
to remove Claire Ryan from her parents.
Her parents were never found to be unfit.
Instead, the girl said she wanted to get away from the arguing in her
house and from her "controlling" father. She wanted to live with her
boyfriend's family.
"Indeed, this case was less about recognition of a child's rights than
the intentional misuse of the legal system to circumvent laws designed
to protect and maintain the integrity of families," the court ruled.
It is the second time this year
DESCRIPTORS: CORPORAL PUNISHMENT, FAMILY LAW, CHILD PROTECTIVE, DHS,CPS, DHR