Children Taken from Family after Call to Poison Control Center

August 6, 2009

When a Colorado couple called the poison control center on behalf of their two-year-old son, who had gotten into some medicine, they did not expect to be dragged into a heated, controversial custody battle. According to the Rocky Mountain Poison Control Center, they do not automatically call police in every incident of poisoning. However, they are required by law to report incidents of suspected abuse or neglect.

When contacted by the media, the PCC said that it was not allowed to divulge information about specific cases, but said that they had several phone contacts with the couple in question. They were concerned that perhaps the children were being left alone too often.

The children were taken into temporary protective custody after the incident, and the couple is now fighting to get them back. Many parents in the area have expressed concern that the PCC is taking unnecessary measures. They believe that parents may be scared to call the PCC in emergencies because their children might be taken from them.