Amy Fabbrini, an Oregon mother, told Glenn Beck on his Tuesday radio show that the state’s Department of Human Services has removed two of her children from her home because she and her partner have IQs that the state considers too low.
In an emotional interview, Fabbrini said on “The Glenn Beck Program” that her son Christopher was taken into custody by the state nearly four years ago, and her son Hunter was taken just two days after he was born.
“CPS took him right from the hospital, I didn’t even get to bring him home,” Fabbrini said of Hunter.
According to OregonLive, the state argued in court documents that both parents have "limited cognitive abilities that interfere with (their) ability to safely parent the child."
Sherrene Hagenbach, a professional mediator and a volunteer who oversaw visits with Fabbrini, 31, and Eric Ziegler, 38, and their children said their home was a “loving environment” and that the children should be with their parents.
Hagenbach and Fabbrini said that the case started when Fabbrini and Ziegler’s former roommate filed a complaint with CPS that Ziegler was neglecting Christopher. Fabbrini’s father also filed a complaint, but they disputed the claims. Hagenbach said Fabbrini’s father was mad Fabbrini moved in with Ziegler.
The couple is facing a trial in September, which could terminate their parental rights to Christopher. He is currently up for adoption by the state.
Fabbrini said that her sons’ removal from her home is “wrong.”
“I’m a wonderful mother,” she said. “I love my boys. I would do anything for my boys.”
Beck was overcome by emotion during the interview.
“Sorry, this has caught me off guard,” he said. “I have a daughter with special needs.”
The OregonLive report noted that no evidence of abuse or neglect has been found in the case.
According to OregonLive, Fabbrini's IQ is about 72 and Ziegler's about 66. The average IQ is between 90 and 110. The couple lives in a home owned by Ziegler's parents and both have earned school diplomas. They have taken classes on “parenting, first aid, CPR and nutrition” since the case began.
Fabbrini also has twins from her previous marriage. She was granted joint custody of the twins after a divorce, but they now live with their father.
Citing state and federal confidentiality laws, a spokeswoman for Oregon’s Department of Human Services declined to comment to TheBlaze on Fabbrini and Ziegler’s case.
Asked if a parent’s intellectual disability is enough to have children removed from their home in Oregon, the spokeswoman said no, emphasizing that she was speaking in general and not in regard to Fabbrini and Ziegler.
