HOUSTON – A court rules that a boy who was kidnapped eight years ago should not be reunited with his natural mother and father.
Miguel Morin, 8, was kidnapped in November 2004. He was 8 months old when he disappeared.
Miguel was found earlier this month after a woman turned in her sister, Krystle Rochelle Tanner. Tanner has been charged with felony kidnapping.
Fernando Morin and Auboni Champion-Morin have been proven to be Miguel's parents, but a judge said Wednesday that they should not see or be granted visitation with their son until a plan to limit trauma is made.
"The decision is fine," said Champion-Morin.
Attorneys said the parents and Miguel need to undergo therapy before they can be reunited.
"The child does not know reality as we know it," child psychologist Dr. Charles Cleveland said. "That information needs to be reintegrated to him in a gentle, thoughtful way.
Champion-Morin said she left her son with Tanner, a friend whom she considered the child's godmother. When she went to pick up Miguel the next day, both Tanner and the child were gone.
According to Children's Protective Services workers, Miguel was given a new name and a new birth date and, when shown a picture of Tanner, he identified her as his mother. Officials said he thinks he is 6 years old.
"Miguel believes his family lives in San Augustine, and he truly believes he'll be reunited with them soon," Children's Protective Services spokeswoman Estella Olguin said.
The next court hearing will be held in mid May.
Miguel is staying with a foster family. His birthright parents asked that he be placed in the care of a relative, but a judge denied that request.