In re Isaac C.
The Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) filed an abuse petition against the parents and paternal grandparents of Isaac C., alleging physical abuse after the infant presented with multiple fractures. The central issue revolved around conflicting expert testimonies concerning the cause of Isaac's injuries: either non-accidental trauma or a severe underlying medical condition, specifically rickets due to an extreme vitamin D deficiency. The court meticulously analyzed the medical and lay testimony, noting the superior knowledge of the respondents' experts regarding the child's unique medical configuration. Ultimately, the court found that the paternal grandparents were not "persons legally responsible" and, more significantly, that ACS failed to meet its burden of proving abuse against any respondent, as a credible non-abuse-related explanation for the injuries was presented. Consequently, the petition was dismissed in its entirety.