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Social workers are rallying to remove a baby from his disabled parents. The Mississauga, Ontario couple has cerebral palsy, a condition which compromises their motor skills and slurs their speech. Unless they receive round-the-clock care from an “able-bodied attendant,” the Peel Children's Aid Society (CAS) has threatened to remove their one-month-old son.
Like any new parents, Maricyl Palisoc and Charles Wilton admit that they need some help but do not want to lose their baby at any cost.
"From what I’ve seen when I’ve been at the apartment…there’s really nothing that [Maricyl's] unable to do," said Ryan Machete, a spokesperson for the Coalition for Persons with Disabilities.
Thanks to the Coalition, the couple has been receiving assistance since baby William's birth. Still, Machete isn't convinced that a caregiver costing $2,000 a week is necessary when Palisoc is fully able to change diapers, breastfeed, and care for her newborn.
That said, as William grows, the physical requirements may change. The CAS is due to meet with the couple to discuss the current arrangement.
Are disabled couples fit to be parents if their physical abilities are compromised? Is it right for them to receive funding for caregivers to perform basic parenting skills?