OREGON CITY, Ore. (AP) — An Oregon judge says the state will retain legal custody of a child whose parents were convicted of criminal mistreatment for treating her vision-threatening medical condition with prayer rather than taking her to a doctor.
Clackamas County Circuit Judge Douglas Van Dyk said Friday he was concerned that Timothy and Rebecca Wyland would not continue long-term medical treatment of their 19-month-old daughter Alayna once their three-year probation ends. Convicted last month, the couple were also sentenced to 90 days in jail.
The judge cited statements Timothy Wyland recently made to a child welfare worker who asked whether the couple would continue treatment without state supervision. Wyland reportedly replied, “Only time will tell.” The Wylands belong to the Followers of Christ church, which practices faith healing.
The Oregonian reports the girl will need treatment until she’s seven. She lives at home but the state Department of Human Services supervises her care.
