In re Seiferth

This is an appeal by the petitioner, a deputy commissioner of the Erie County Health Department, from an order of the Children’s Court of Erie County denying the prayer of the petition. The petition sought transfer of custody of a twelve-year-old boy from his parents to the Commissioner of Social Welfare “ for the purpose of consenting to the performance of such medical, surgical and dental services as may be necessary ”. The summons is directed to Martin Seiferth, Jr., and his parents. The boy is afflicted with a congenital harelip and cleft palate which seriously detract from his appearance…