Society sought temporary care and custody of two children pursuant to s. 94(2)(d) of the CYFSA on the basis of severe chronic malnutrition, failure to thrive, rickets, hypothyroidism, and persistent parental non-compliance with medical recommendations.
The younger child fell below the zero percentile for weight, was diagnosed with life-threatening hypocalcemia, vitamin D deficiency, and iodine-deficient hypothyroidism attributable to prolonged exclusive breastfeeding and a restrictive vegan diet lacking essential micronutrients.
Parents demonstrated heavy mistrust of the medical system, repeatedly delayed or cancelled bloodwork, developmental assessments, and specialist appointments, and minimized the severity of the conditions.
The older child also presented with zinc and vitamin D deficiency, low carnitines, low amino acids, and bone changes suggestive of metabolic conditions.
Court found supervision order insufficient given parental lack of insight and the urgent daily nutritional and medical intervention required.
