Child Protective Services Children and Youth and County penalizing parent for sons' MH issues! threatened to kill me and my unborn child Middleburg Pennsylvania
I have had problems with my sone since he is 5, he is now almost 14. I have had him in therapy for 9 years. He has been placed in Therapeutic Foster care 2 times, and in inpatient treatment facilities 4 times for "acting out" outside and inside the home.
He has 3 mental health diagnoses, ADHd, ODD, PTSD. His father was in a single car accident 9 years ago, and I have been raising him on my own ever since.
Most people cannot tolerate my sons behaviours, therefore, he has one friend, and family members do not bother anymore to visit with him. I have endured much turmiol in an effort to get my son the support and help he needs.
To make this long story short, he recently threatened to kill me and my unborn child. I took him to an on call crisis worker on the reccomendation of the PSP, and she felt he should be hospitalized, but MHMR felt he was only throwing a temper tantrum, and I should "just forgive him and let him come back home" . I refused. I have been putting up w/ the death threats for years, but I wont tolerate it against an unborn child.
Now he is in TFC again. This time the SSI survivor benefits I receive to care and help to support his home have gone the CPS and they were well aware of the financial hardship this would cause and could choose to redirect some of it back to me as I cannot support this household on my own. He was already receiving MHMR services when this happened.
Does anyone have any suggestions? He has a limited time to get well. If he does not, custody goes to CPS.
Bobbi
Beaver Springs, Pennsylvania
U.S.A.
2 Updates & Rebuttals
Deborah
San Diego,California,
U.S.A.
You have a heavy burden
#3Consumer Suggestion
Tue, November 16, 2004
First of all, God Bless you and guide you through this difficult time. I have heard and known of horror stories like yours and being told that you are not alone is of no help. I think you made a wise choice to keep your son away from you and the baby right now. It sounds on the surface that your son needs long term medical care and need not be relieved of your custody when you both need each other more than ever. There are Doctors that will agree.
I am sorry about your limited finances. I know that means limited help/resources for you and your rights as his mother. You have been victumized and it is not over yet.
Gather up your support systems ie friends, family, local church ect. Take care of you first so you can better take care of others and whatever comes your way. Don't neglect yourself. Don't isolate. Choose your words wisely when talking to others (social workers and the like) these are just sugestions.
Please write me as I have other things to share that might be helpful. Good health to you all.
From one Mother to another
Julie
Somerville,Massachusetts,
U.S.A.
try the media
#3Consumer Suggestion
Wed, September 08, 2004
I suggest approaching the media with your plight. Try approaching a local newspaper to see if they would be willing to do a feature on you and your family, therby gaining the attention of a larger media outlet. I am so sorry to hear about your situation. Godd Luck!