State officials lose 1 appeal in safe-haven case
State officials have lost an appeal to keep seven siblings abandoned under a safe-haven law with an aunt in Lincoln, but the children aren’t on the move just yet.
The children, along with two older siblings who chose to stay in Omaha, were abandoned by their father at an Omaha hospital last month.
A judge had ruled Oct. 1 that an aunt was not ready to take in the children. But the Department of Health and Human Services appealed because officials believe it is best to keep the kids with family.
The initial appeal was dismissed Thursday, but another appeal is pending and a three-judge panel was appointed Friday to review the case.
Department officials say the kids will stay put as long as an appeal remains alive.
The children, along with two older siblings who chose to stay in Omaha, were abandoned by their father at an Omaha hospital last month.
A judge had ruled Oct. 1 that an aunt was not ready to take in the children. But the Department of Health and Human Services appealed because officials believe it is best to keep the kids with family.
The initial appeal was dismissed Thursday, but another appeal is pending and a three-judge panel was appointed Friday to review the case.
Department officials say the kids will stay put as long as an appeal remains alive.
Copyright © 2002-2009 Lincoln Journal Star. All rights reserved.