Custody Hearing Keeps Child With Family

He`s referred to as "S" and "B". Those two letters represent a five year old boy who`s been through a lot of changes lately. But today he found out he will not have to call another place home. The courtroom is now a familiar place for the biological parents of Caden Blanton and his five year old brother, but this time their appearance was relatively short and there was no opposition. Heather Rich and Joshua Blanton are both charged with endangering the welfare of their 17 month old son Caden who died from alleged abuse. Today`s disposition hearing lasted about 20 minutes. Judge Patrick Robb looked over seven exhibits presented by the Buchanan County Juvenile Office and the State`s Children`s Division. Both organizations recommended that the five year old remain in the custody of his aunt and uncle. Attorney`s for Rich and Blanton did not object to the child remaining in his current living situation. Heather Rich`s attorney Matthew O` Connor said, "In a perfect world, I know like any other mother she would want to have her child back home with her, but under the circumstances this is an acceptable short term resolution to the long term problem." Everyone involved in today`s hearing will be back in court on June 27th. On that date the judge will review the child`s living situation to make sure it`s the best option. Depending on the outcome of all of the criminal charges those periodic reviews could continue every 90 to 120 days. Rich`s alleged boyfriend Christopher Kerns is charged with second degree murder in the case. A motion to join both Rich and Kern`s cases is scheduled for Thursday March 16th.