Jensens' deadline looms
Parents, Utah officials try to iron out dispute
At issue is whether Parker Jensen has cancer and is in need of chemotherapy. The state says three different sets of pathologists agree the 12-year-old has a rare form of bone cancer and needs immediate treatment. His parents disagree, and their dispute with state officials has left them charged with kidnapping and, for a time, fugitives in the eyes of the law.
Both sides were mum on details of the talks Tuesday, other than to say "progress" was being made. If no deal is reached by 5 p.m. today, the suspension of the warrants is set to be lifted and both the Jensens could be arrested and Parker taken into state custody.
A status conference detailing that progress or the terms of a possible deal is expected to be held in 3rd District
Juvenile Court today before Judge Robert Yeates, who on Aug. 8 ordered Parker Jensen into the custody of the office of the state's Guardian Ad Litem. Any settlement between the family and state officials requires Yeates' approval because he is the presiding judge in the case.
The Guardian Ad Litem — the office charged with representing and protecting the interests of children in court proceedings — was not at the table for discussions with the Jensens Tuesday but did release a three-page document outlining its conditions for a settlement with the Sandy family.
Those conditions stipulate that:
• Parker be evaluated by a "board certified pediatric oncologist" of his parents' choosing, and if that physician concurs with the Ewing's sarcoma diagnosis, the boy would "immediately begin chemotherapy or any alternative treatment that meets the standard of care" for that disease.
• The Jensens sign a release allowing the state to communicate with that physician about Parker's diagnosis and treatment.
• Neither Primary Children's Medical Center, which did the initial diagnosis, nor state witnesses would independently contact Parker's doctor, although they would not be prevented from speaking if they are contacted by that physician.
• Should the Jensens agree to the pediatric oncologist condition, the state will ask that arrest warrants be stayed pending the boy's treatment.
• Parker remain in legal custody of the state but in the physical custody of his parents, unless the Jensens attempt to discontinue treatment against medical advice.
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