Washington CPS Medical Kidnapping Case: Misdiagnosed Skull Fracture Upends New Parents
Photo Credit: Parents Behind the Pinwheels
Story source: ParentsBehindThePinwheels. Adapted by Father’s Advocacy Network.
Miracle Baby, Five Weeks of Peace
After five years of infertility and two miscarriages, Annie and Abram welcomed their daughter Winona in August 2023. Five blissful weeks later, all three caught a respiratory bug. Winona’s coughing produced petechiae (red dots) and even burst a blood vessel in her eye. A small bruise appeared above her eyebrow after bumping heads with her grandmother during burping. Annie scheduled a pediatric visit out of caution.
Pediatric Concern Turns Into Hospital Alarm
Pediatric exam – Doctor noted petechiae, eyebrow bruise, and a thin red line on Winona’s arm matching her “arms‑up” swaddle seam. Suspecting low platelets from the virus, she referred them to a children’s hospital for tests.
Hospital work‑up – Staff initiated a full child‑abuse protocol. A child‑abuse pediatrician (CAP) declared Winona had a skull fracture. Annie explained the head bump with grandma; CAP said the force was insufficient.
Imaging – Full skeletal survey showed no additional injuries; ophthalmology found no retinal hemorrhages.
Safety Plan & Separation
• CPS and law enforcement were notified.
• Safety plan: Winona had to live with grandparents; parents could not be unsupervised.
• CPS inspected the parental home and called it “amazing, clean, with a safe sleeping area,” yet restrictions stayed.
Neurosurgeon Overrules CAP
Two days later a pediatric neurosurgeon reviewed scans and doubted any fracture. A repeat CT scan confirmed no fracture ever existed. Law enforcement dropped its investigation. CPS allowed Winona home but insisted on weekly unannounced visits by caseworkers and all four grandparents.
CAP Doubles Down
Even after imaging cleared the fracture, the CAP insisted a thin red arm line was a bruise from someone “carrying the baby by the arm.” When Annie filed a grievance, the CAP accessed Winona’s chart again and pressured their pediatrician to order a follow‑up skeletal survey (clear of fractures). CAP still authored a report alleging abuse.
Courtroom Credibility Battle
CPS is contracted with the CAP and said it could not drop the case while the CAP maintained abuse.
At shelter‑care hearings, Annie’s second‑opinion expert was deemed less credible than the CAP.
A state attorney argued the couple avoided criminal charges only due to “privilege.”
Fact‑finding trial is scheduled for later this month—nearly four months after the original hospital visit.
“We fought five years for a child and had just five weeks with her before our lives flipped upside down.” —Annie
System Concerns: When Misdiagnosis Becomes Medical Kidnapping
Foster‑Care Danger & Financial Incentives
If separation had continued, Winona risked entering foster care—where data show:
• 50 % of youth face homelessness within 18 months of aging out.
• 60–70 % of trafficking victims spent time in foster care.
• 25 % are incarcerated within two years of aging out.
• Counties can draw up to $198,000 per child per year in combined Title IV‑E and state funds to maintain placements.
Removing children without iron‑clad evidence endangers them—and financially rewards the system.
Call for Reform in Washington State
Mandatory Independent Second Opinions – Radiology + genetics review within 72 hours before CPS files.
CAP Oversight Board – Separate investigative body to review CAP reports when imaging is disputed.
Automatic Case Dismissal – If subsequent scans negate initial injury claims, CPS must request dismissal.
Key Takeaways: Preventing Medical Kidnapping in Washington
CAP misdiagnosis initiated months of legal turmoil despite neutral experts clearing abuse.
Washington CPS ties to contracted CAPs create conflict of interest.
Foster‑care entry would expose Winona to statistically higher risks of homelessness, trafficking, and PTSD.
Children deserve safety and family—both must be protected with evidence‑first protocols.
