MANSFIELD, Ohio -- Richland County is seeking permanent custody of a brain-damaged 16-month-old infant in a move that could lead to his removal from life support.

Aiden Stein has been in a vegetative state since he stopped breathing on March 15, 2004. Doctors have diagnosed him with shaken baby syndrome and said he had a previous brain injury.

The boy's father, Matthew Stein, has been under investigation for the boy's injuries, but has not been charged. Stein has denied harming his son and said he choked while drinking milk.

SLIDESHOW: Comatose Baby

Richland County Children Services asked for permanent custody last month in Richland County Juvenile Court. Lawyers are scheduled to meet with Judge Ron Spon on Monday.

The agency has temporary custody of the child, who is on a ventilator and being fed through a tube at Akron Children's Hospital.

His parents fought to keep Aiden alive after a court-appointed guardian requested last June that Aiden's life support be removed.

The Ohio Supreme Court ruled in December that the right to withdraw life support remained with the parents until their rights are permanently terminated.

Edward Markovich, representing Matthew Stein and the baby's mother, Arica Heimlich, said he was seeking protective supervision to allow Heimlich to have custody of Aiden but under court supervision.

Randy Parker, executive director of the agency, said if it gains custody, the agency would allow the guardian to make all medical decisions, including removing life support.

A doctor has testified that Aiden was blind, deaf and unaware of his surroundings. The baby's parents have said they believe Aiden would recover if given more time.