Be the change: Stand up for Mental Health

The GAL tried so hard to put a gag order on me to prevent articles like this from happening. The information discussed is right out of her and CPS' playbook.

‘Why Family/CPS Courts Target ‘Fit’ Parents & Why the General Public is unaware of this National crisis. (short version) “Rich, poor, middle-class — no child in America is safe.” These words of award-winning investigative journalist Keith Harmon Snow (author of The Worst In...

Another county's DSS corruption is exposed

Grand jury indicts former Cherokee County DSS officials Grand jury indicts sheriff's wife for her role in separation of children from parents when she served as Cherokee County DSS director.

Video in link below..
This is downright scary. I am a big advocate in CPS reform and her stories are just like the many people I have spoken with. Of the 50+ families I have either met with or talked to, had a case worker that flat out ignored the requirements established in the federal child welfare law. Then you add in the juvenile courts that ignore your right to due process. Most parents weren't allowed to see reports filed by CPS, GALs or CASA, but yet the judge made determinations using those reports filled with personal opinions or hearsay. I have heard numerous times, it doesn't matter what proof you provide showing the accusations are false, the judge will still err on the side of caution. They would rather get the case off their docket and move on to the next one. There is no such thing as admissible evidence at these hearings either. Everything is admissible, regardless of where it came from.

In one case, a GAL received a photoshopped image from a disgruntled family member and presented it to the judge and it was allowed! Before the parent had a chance to present the original photo to the judge that had been authenticated, they ran out of time. The judge admitted he had only heard half the story, but still handed down a ruling removing the kids and handing over temporary custody to the disgruntled family member. Where is the due process?

Should Guardian Ad Litem's have a mental health background? Do they understand a person can still be a wonderful parent even though they have a mental health condition? Do they understand the impact their decision has on the mental health of a child?

If the legal system equipped themselves with people who understood mental health, then maybe there would be more compassion and less discrimination.

The change has to start in the legal field. If we dont get any understanding from them, then how can we expect anything different from anyone else? When did discrimination become justice?

I woke up this morning to find an email from NAMI offering their help with my situation. I was delighted to hear back from them and know I have their support. They also provided several legal resources to contact to address the discrimination I have personally endured.

The ADA also has their own team to investigate government agencies that do not follow the strict mandated guidelines. While reading the regulations and requirements of the courts/justice system and social services, I started to make a list of all the violations that I encountered. Before I knew it, I had already filled and entire page and wasnt even half way through it! This lead to further research to which I discovered the same court system that I am having issues with, has had multiple complaints, settlements and sanctions against them.

While I was very disappointed in discovering that I'm not the only victim, it also gave me strength knowing I am not alone. Others have stood up to them and are fighting the same battle I am. No matter how alone you feel, you are never actually alone. We tend to be silenced to make us feel that way. Dont allow it. Research, speak up and out. Together we can make a difference and stop the unfair treatment and discrimination.

Has anyone else reached out to NAMI or the ADA before?

Share your story! If you need help finding your voice or aren't comfortable sharing your story, send an email and it will be posted by me, so you can remain anonymous.

Only love and support wins the fight. So get your boxing gloves on and let's fight the discrimination!

We have come a long way in the fight to end the stigma and discrimination of loved ones with a mental illness, but not far enough.

People have fought it in the work place, schools, colleges, and in the community. However, no one ever talks about the discrimination allowed in child custody cases. When does it become ok to allow a court to determine it is not in the best interest of a child to be with a parent who has a mental health condition?

Why does our government allow this? A guardian ad litem (GAL) is often assigned to contested custody cases. While they are attorneys who receive training, they do not have a mental health background. Most do not have an understanding that with the proper treatment, you can be as "normal" as the next person. Their fear of a "reoccurrence" stands in the way of allowing a child to be with that parent.

We can predict a reoccurrence as much as we can predict an accident, the lottery numbers, getting diagnosed with cancer, having a stroke, seizure etc. Since no one can predict when or even IF a reoccurrence will happen, why do the courts keep children from having equal time with parents?

I met a GAL who stated they would never recommend for a child to be with a parent with a "serious mental disorder" because of the danger that COULD happen. After asking many questions, it was told that it didnt matter if the parent was currently stable and even if they have been stable for many years. Continuned stability cannot be guaranteed so it's a risk they were unwilling to take. How is this ok? IT'S NOT!!

Fight for the courts to catch up on the current times and understand mental illness. Fight for the requirement that GALs must have a mental health background or education. Fight the discrimination of parents with a mental illness!