Booktree.ng_Forgotten-Witness

“Emotions are running high, Your Honor,” Stephen
interjected. “But I will not apologize for that. What should be
a joyous occasion is not because it appears Ha Kuna House is
concerned that we are litigious. We are not. We simply don’t
want to run in circles. Our hand was forced.”
Judge Mohr pointed his finger at Stephen.
“Had Ha Kuna House packed up Emily Bates and sent her
off with your client it would not speak well of their concern
for her or their liability. I applaud them, Mr. Kyle. There is no
information as to why Emily Bates was committed to their
care. Conversely, I have no concrete evidence from Josephine
Bates that would compel me to overturn this order. I’m sure
that is clear to you. Now that we have that straightened out,
the question becomes this: how will we proceed? The answer
is, we will take baby steps to insure the appropriate outcome
and protection of Emily Bates’ privacy and person.”
Mohr sat back, shook out the wide sleeves on his robes, and
picked up a pen.
“First, a county social worker will be assigned to assess the
situation and make recommendations as they pertain to the
woman’s current level of care. I will also ask for a referral of
both physicians and psychologists who can conduct
independent assessments of her physical and mental state. I
will ask the social worker to also conduct a background on
Ms. Bates.
“Simultaneously, Ha Kuna House will be requested to
provide the court with a history and all records as pertain to
Emily Baylor-Bates. I will then decide which ones can be
made public so as not to run afoul of federal laws and
regulations. I will, naturally, entertain any documentation that
will support Ms. Josephine Bates’ bid for guardianship. I don’t
want to be inundated with paper, Mr. Kyle. Make sure
everything you send to this court is appropriate to the question
at hand. That will include, but not be limited to, proof of
familial association, affidavits of character from someone who
knew the family and Ms. Bates as an individual, and any