A Colorado father has made a public plea for help after Medicaid reportedly denied psychological treatment for his 8-year-old son, who he says has a lengthy, disturbing history of violence.
Speaking with KMGH, Chris McInvale said his young son was repeatedly subjected to abuse while in his biological mother’s care. The outlet cited records stating that the boy has attacked pregnant women and children.
Records also indicated that the 8-year-old has participated in nine months of in-home treatment but he continued to exhibit “aggressive, violent behavior,” noting that he’s harmed babies at daycare.
It was three months ago when McInvale’s son was admitted into residential care, per the recommendation of a psychologist. The father said he was initially under the impression that Medicaid’s contractor, Beacon Health Options, would cover the expenses. However, they have denied coverage, saying that it didn’t meet the criteria of necessary medical treatment and suggesting in-home treatment—a solution the father says has already proved unsuccessful.
The news station also learned that the child has tried to hang himself with a jump rope last week.
“It tears me up…It’s just been rough,” the father told KMGH.
Left without any other options, McInvale said he has taken his story to the media as he plans to have his young son placed under a mental health hold at the hospital. This acts as a temporary solution but the frustrated father fears the 8-year-old will be in a detention center by the time he’s 10—or worse.
He went on to ask, “What is going to happen to my son?”
[Featured image: Chris McInvale/KMGH video screengrab]
