It has now been 8 days since Judge Menges removed Jacqueline’s medically fragile son, who has PKU (phenylketonuria) from her care. And still, no shelter hearing has been held.
Under 42 Pa.C.S. § 6332, Pennsylvania law requires that a shelter hearing take place within 72 hours of the removal of a child. The purpose of this hearing is to determine whether the removal was warranted and whether the child’s rights—and the rights of the parent—have been violated. If no hearing happens within that timeframe, the child must be returned.
But here we are, 8 days later which, if you’re keeping track, is a whopping 192 hours. That’s 120 hours longer than the 72-hour deadline required by law. That’s a lot of time to ignore the legal process, and it’s clear that Judge Menges has failed to fulfill his duty. That’s not even counting the potential danger to the child’s well-being.
Let’s be clear: this is not just an oversight. This is a deliberate disregard for the law, and at this point, it’s starting to look like Judge Menges is playing fast and loose with the rules in a way that puts not just one child, but the very fabric of justice itself at risk.
In failing to hold the mandatory shelter hearing, Judge Menges has failed Jacqueline and her son one of the most vulnerable children imaginable, who has complex medical needs and relies on his mother for constant care. His failure to follow procedure both in removing the child without due process and then refusing to give the required post-removal hearing makes it increasingly clear that the court has mishandled this case at nearly every turn.
Most alarmingly, this failure puts the child’s life at risk. This is a child with a rare metabolic disorder who requires specialized medical care to survive. Without his mother’s care and guidance, his health and well-being are in grave danger. Yet Judge Menges has failed to act, leaving this child without the protection he needs. The stakes are not just legal, they are life-and-death.
The consequences of this disregard for basic legal protections are not only severe, they are unforgivable. This isn’t just a failure to follow the law this is a violation of human rights, and it’s happening right before our eyes.
Call to Action:
Judge Menges may think he can escape accountability, but he’s wrong. His actions—or lack thereof—are being noticed, and the public will not let this injustice slide.
Email or call your state representative and senator. This should not be allowed to continue. Ask what they plan to do about a judge who is willing to violate the law so flagrantly and put a child’s life at risk. This goes beyond what the conduct board can do.
Share Jacqueline’s story. Speak out. Make sure people know what is happening.
Hold those responsible accountable.
We’ve seen this kind of abuse of power before. And it will not go unnoticed. We will not stand by while this court continues to ignore the law and trample on the rights of families. It’s time for everyone involved to take responsibility and make sure this never happens again.