Watch CBS News

Mental Health Watchdog To Honor Detroit Mother

DETROIT (WWJ/AP) - A Detroit mother who regained custody of her 13-year-old daughter after the girl was placed in a state psychiatric hospital is in line to receive an award from the Citizens Commission on Human Rights International.

Attorney Allison Folmar said Maryanne Godboldo will be recognized Saturday at the mental health watchdog's Human Rights Awards banquet in Los Angeles.

Folmar has represented Godboldo in court proceedings and said she is being honored for her stand against Michigan's Department of Human Services and refusing to give her daughter Risperdal, a medication used to contain aggression and treat autism.

Godboldo was arrested last March for refusing to allow police to take the girl and holding officers at bay outside her home.

Criminal charges were later dropped and the custody case involving her daughter closed.

The Godboldo case has received national attention as supporters are rallied behind her, saying they were focused on protecting parental rights. Supporters argued Child Protective Services overstepped their boundaries by trying to force their view on the family as to what kind of medication the girl should be given.

- Catch up on this story, here –

TM and © Copyright 2011 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.