Baby B was born 6 weeks prematurely and was admitted in the neonatal ICU (NICU) at birth due to very low-birth weight. He does well in the NICU and after a month is sent home. Before leaving the...

Baby B was born 6 weeks prematurely and was admitted in the neonatal ICU (NICU) at birth due to very low-birth weight. He does well in the NICU and after a month is sent home. Before leaving the hospital, the nursing and social work staff meet with Baby B's parents to discuss taking care of the baby. Within 2 weeks, Baby B is readmitted to the Pediatric ICU. He has lost weight and the nursing staff feel that he has been neglected.

After being hospitalized, Baby B again starts to gain weight as expected. But the staff are alarmed because Baby B's father has threatened them for "taking away" his baby. Baby B's mother seems attentive in the PICU.

Question 1: Should Baby B be removed from his parents' custody? Why or why not? What information do you need to come to a decision?

Upon further investigation, you find that both Baby B's parents have schizophrenia. They are high functioning when medicated. However, when they do not take their medications, they show signs of their illness.

Question 2: What effect does this information change have on your view of the issue?