Update On Activist Response Request on OHSU threatens to take Autistic Child from his mother

Friday, February 11, 2005

To:  Everybody

Since the last update many things have happened. Due to the tremendous response from people all over the country coupled with several other factors itemized below, this case was dismissed by the court this morning.
 
Reasons for our successful outcome plus other items of interest:

1.  The very persistent and due diligence by Kathryn Dunn's attorney George Mead.

2.  The due diligence and persistent assistance by Don Harkins and Ingri Cassel of The Idaho Observer in releasing this news and appropriate activistic response.  OHSU had been successful in preventing a press release in the local newspapers about these charges. However, after The Idaho Observer’s release of this information, OHSU released a press release on Autism which recommended the type of evaluation that they refused to do in Dunn’s case that led to the charges against Kathryn Dunn for requesting this evaluation as per the recommendation of the North West Foundation.

3.  The Press Release we sent out Wednesday morning the 9th of February was too much for OHSU and they in return pressured DHS for closure which they were only too happy to agree to. The listing of all of the names concerned with this case brought a tremendous number of calls and e-mails to various involved staff of OHSU including Dr. Rogers.

4.  Senator Ron Wyden’s office was contacted two weeks ago and informed Kathryn Dunn that they did not handle these situations.

5.  On February 7, Senator Bruce Starr’s office was called and Kathy Starr stated that they were very interested in getting involved with this type of case. Kathy Starr called back and obtained all the names and phone numbers for George Mead, Sonya Heinschk, Jan Kruse, the district attorney, Kris’s attorney and the judge. She said she would contact the head of DHS on February 8th, which she did.  She also contacted the Governor’s office.

6.  Governor Kulongoski’s children’s advocate, Michelle, was contacted several weeks ago and finally returned the call on February 7. She stated that they cannot overturn any of the court’s or DHS' decisions, on any case. On February 9, Naomi Steenson, the Administrator for the Governor’s Advocate, called to see if there was anything that she could do to help. She said that Senator Bruce Starr had called the Governor about the problems and wanted to help straighten them out. She told Kathryn that she was to call if the mediation with DHS fell through as it had in the past and they would get involved. 
 
Dr. Zane Gard affirmed to me in a phone conversation this evening that Kathryn Dunn will retain custody of Kristopher with the stipulation that she see a psychiatrist of the defense team's choosing for six months. That psychiatrist has been appointed and had already been working with the defense team.
 
A big THANK YOU for all your prayers, thoughts, letters and action in this case. It is SO important to shine a light on those who are abusing their bureaucratic positions. Together we WILL prevail. May God Bless ALL of YOU.
 
In the Spirit of Truth

 
© February 2005  All rights reserved.  Reprinted with permission.