South Lyon Pumpkin Fest: Please Join Us!
What: SOUTH LYON PUMPKIN FEST PARADE
Why: We will walk in the parade to bring awareness to medically misdiagnosed child abuse and how this affects our community with specific reference to the Burns case.
When: Saturday • September 26th • Meet at 9:15 - 9:30 am
Where: We will meet near the entrance to Lyon Trail Subdivision (located on the east side of Pontiac Trail just south of McDonald's). Our exact place in the parade will be announced that day. Parking is available across, and slightly north on Pontiac Trail - in the strip mall lot behind McDonald's. It is a quick walk down, and across the street to the beginning of the parade line-up. See map here.
Additional Information: All supporters are welcome to participate in this event. We need numerous people to march in the parade and help distribute informational flyers, hold signs, and pass out candy. PLEASE BRING YOUR RED “SEEK JUSTICE” T-SHIRTS. If you don’t have one we will have some available that day. You may also just wear a red shirt.
Contact: Questions? Contact Matt: (719) 822-1270
Afterwards: If you would like to join us for a free lunch afterward, we will be meeting at a local home: 630 Kestrel Ridge • South Lyon, MI 48178
The U of M Board Meeting
On September 17th Torn Family Trustees, Brenda Burns, and two other individuals whose families were impacted by the misdiagnosis of child abuse by a child abuse pediatrician had the privilege of speaking at a University of Michigan Board of Regents meeting. It was a powerful event that underscored the human cost of the erroneous diagnosis of child abuse. Often, it is children involved in these cases who suffer the most.
Speakers challenged the University of Michigan to examine the new science behind Shaken Baby Syndrome/Abusive Head Trauma that reveals major flaws in the way it has traditionally been diagnosed. They asked the U of M to provide more education for pediatricians that diagnose SBS, requesting that a symposium addressing both sides of the SBS/AHT controversy be offered to the medical and legal communities.
The message was clear, concise, and presented with eloquence and professionalism. The community is increasingly afraid and distrustful of medical institutions with Child Protection Teams on staff.
Prior to the meeting, approximately 30 supporters held a peaceful protest outside the Michigan Union Building. These supporters held signs and handed out informational pamphlets to the public. Supporters also held up signs during the Board of Regents meeting.
Torn Family Trust was grateful for the opportunity to educate the board and the public on the misdiagnosis of child abuse in the metro Detroit area including at the University of Michigan. Thank you to all who participated in this wonderful event. We are truly grateful for your ongoing support.
Torn Family addresses the U of M Board of Regents
This afternoon the Torn Family Trust and supporters went to Ann Arbor to speak to the U of M Board of Regents. Eight speakers spoke on the topics regarding the controversial actions of U of M's Child Abuse Team in making diagnoses. Thank you all for your support. Click to see the WXYZ coverage:
Read more
What Is Shaken Baby Syndrome?
What Is Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS)?
Over four decades ago, Dr. Norman Guthkelch first hypothesized that brain bleeding in infants could be caused by violent shaking. Over time, doctors evolved this idea into the theory that a “triad” of symptoms in infants (brain bleeding, brain swelling, and retinal hemorrhaging) was proof of violent shaking. For decades doctors have used the triad to convict thousands of parents and caretakers. Today, Dr. Guthkelch is adamant that his hypothesis is being misused, sending innocent people to jail.Read more
Today's Hearing Results
The judge heard a motion presented by the Michigan Innocence Clinic to reduce or modify Josh's sentence in order to facilitate reunification with Naomi. They also requested modifications to certain probation conditions.
The judge allowed important changes to be made to Josh's probation conditions namely, the removal of the no contact order with Naomi and the elimination of the requirement to complete a “batterer's program” through LACASA. She also gave the probation department the discretion to determine the necessity of drug and alcohol testing and to approve out of state travel for work. At this time she denied the request for a reduction of Josh's sentence. This aspect of the motion was denied “without prejudice.” The judge voiced her willingness to revisit this request pending the review of supporting documentation to be provided by the defense.
This was a difficult hearing to sit through as a supporter of the Burns family. Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, Daniel Rose, spent upwards of 20 minutes misconstruing segments of Josh's psychological evaluations which were the subject of lengthy testimony presented at the termination trial. During that proceeding it was clearly established that Josh has no significant psychological issues.
Next, the court adopted the treatment plan prepared by Josh and Brenda's attorneys in conjunction with the Department of Human Services. The most notable ruling is that family reunification will be facilitated by a local, licensed family social worker. This social worker will determine when Josh and Naomi have their first contact.
Josh and Brenda are pleased with the treatment plan and are eager to begin the process of reunification.
Review of Love to Give by Denise Johnson
Denise Johnson's book, Love to Give, was hard to put down at times. I was surprised by how engaged I became in her story. Our stories are so different but the pain is similar. Reading about the struggle Denise and her husband endured brought me comfort in a strange way. It forced me to look again at the sovereignty of God and ask myself the question, "Is God loving and good even in the most painful times?" Denise writes from a very personal place. Her story is one of loss and heartache but also of faith and joy. The story sticks with you and I found myself thinking about this family frequently. I highly recommend Ms. Johnson's book. - Brenda Burns
The book, Love to Give is a very intimate revelation of the journey into parenthood. The journey isn't always easy or simple. For some, there are unexpected trials and sacrifices even before a child becomes part of the family. Denise Johnson tells the story of how she and her husband became parents. The path was strewn with many obstacles and heartaches and she shares this in a very personal way. I'm certain that many who read this book will closely identify with some, if not all, of the obstacles, heartaches, and purely joyous moments she describes even if the empathy is relative to a different focus other than parenting. The name of the book describes the gift of love that can only be shared with a child. Denise recounts how she and her husband, Ron, were finally able to share their love with a child and how God blessed them and provided through the process. I recommend this book to anyone but especially to those who want to be encouraged to hope. - Tami Hall
You can purchase the book at Denise Johnson’s website: http://www.DeniseEJohnson.com/. Proceeds from the sale of the book will go to Torn Family Trust.
We Need Your Help
REUNIFICATION PLAN HEARING:
When: September 8th, 9 a.m.
Where: Livingston County Courthouse
How You Can Help: Please consider attending the next hearing in the Burns case where Judge Cavanaugh will finalize the plan for reunifying Josh with his family. The Michigan Innocence Clinic will also present a motion to amend Josh's probation terms and shorten his sentence.Read more
Josh's Parental Rights Decision
Judge Miriam Cavanaugh rendered her decision today regarding Josh's parental rights. She recognized that Josh has been more compliant and involved in trying to regain a relationship with Naomi than many fathers who have been in her courtroom. She acknowledged that Naomi is doing well and decided it is in Naomi's best interest to be reunited with her father. This means Josh’s parental rights will NOT be terminated. He will, however, be required to participate in a reunification plan devised by DHS with input from Josh and Brenda's attorneys. The plan will be presented to the court for approval at a hearing on September 8th. The reunification plan will involve various types of counseling and other requirements that Brenda and Josh must comply with before full reunification occurs. It is unclear if josh will be allowed visitation with Naomi while in jail.
Tune in to Channel 7 WXYZ news tonight at the 5 or 6:00 hour to see an interview and a news report on today's proceedings. Please comment on the report and share it after it is posted to WXYZ'S website. Also, please Facebook like and tweet the newscast.
The Michigan Innocence Clinic out of U of M Law will be moving forward with Josh’s criminal appeal once the local court files the criminal trial transcripts. The court has missed multiple deadlines for filing the transcripts.
Thank you for your continued support and prayers. Please share the Burns story as they fight to seek justice and put their family back together.
July News Updates
TERMINATION DECISION: Wednesday July 29th, Judge Cavanaugh will render her decision regarding the termination of Josh's parental rights. This hearing will be held at the Livingston County Courthouse in Howell at 8:30 a.m. Friends, family, and supporters are encouraged to attend the hearing in support of the Burns family.TERMINATION DECISION: Wednesday July 29th, Judge Cavanaugh will render her decision regarding the termination of Josh's parental rights. This hearing will be held at the Livingston County Courthouse in Howell at 8:30 a.m. Friends, family, and supporters are encouraged to attend the hearing in support of the Burns family.
DR PHIL SHOW: The Dr. Phil Show will be rebroadcasting the Burns interview Tuesday July 28th on CBS. If you missed it the first time be sure to tune in and post your comments on Dr. Phil’s Facebook page, Twitter, and website.
TRANSCRIPT UPDATE: The Michigan Innocence Clinic has notified the Burns family that trial transcripts have still not been filed. This continues to be a source of disappointment for the Burns family. The Michigan Court of Appeals is now requiring the filing of a motion to compel transcripts.
FALSE SBS CONFESSIONS EXPLORED: Dr. Douglas Smith explores the important topic of false confessions in SBS (Shaken Baby Syndrome) cases. There has never been a witnessed shaken baby event wherein the triad of symptoms commonly associated with SBS was present. This is problematic for those that assert that the triad alone is sufficient to prove abuse. Consequently, they point to confessions of past SBS cases to prove their science. Although the Burns case does not involve a false confession, we hope to show that existing confessions do not prove the validity of the triad when diagnosing SBS. Dr. Smith, a retired University of Michigan pathologist, clearly and concisely outlines the tactics used by law enforcement and child abuse pediatricians. His article can be found here.
Denial of Josh's Bond Request
Today Judge Miriam Cavanaugh denied Josh’s request for bond during his appeal. She stated that the defense cannot prove there are appealable issues without access to the criminal trial transcripts. The defense was not able to review the transcripts because they have not been produced. It is the responsibility of the court to provide these documents. They were due on June 23rd, however, the court requested an extension. As a result of today’s ruling, Josh returned to jail to continue serving his unjust sentence.
Please keep the Burns in your thoughts and prayers as they deal with yet another denial of justice in their case. Tonight, WXYZ Channel 7 will air a spot on the result of today’s hearing.