To: The Pennsylvania State House, The Pennsylvania State Senate, and Governor Tom Wolf
American Victims of International Adoptions
Amend current juvenile law to allow protection for the parents/caregivers of mentally ill children.
Last year the police came to my home after neighbors called, to say because of the child's age and because we were the parents, they could not protect us. When we consulted social workers, therapists, and lawyers, we learned that we were helpless. Health insurance did not want to pay for further inpatient care for the child, in spite of the police reports. Because of his mental illness, we did not want him in a jail, but wanted him in a therapeutic environment.
Parents of mentally ill children need more legal rights to protect themselves and the local community. Re-write juvenile laws to not only protect the children, but to protect the caregivers and hence the local community.
Last year the police came to my home after neighbors called, to say because of the child's age and because we were the parents, they could not protect us. When we consulted social workers, therapists, and lawyers, we learned that we were helpless. Health insurance did not want to pay for further inpatient care for the child, in spite of the police reports. Because of his mental illness, we did not want him in a jail, but wanted him in a therapeutic environment.
Parents of mentally ill children need more legal rights to protect themselves and the local community. Re-write juvenile laws to not only protect the children, but to protect the caregivers and hence the local community.
Why is this important?
Couples heartbroken over infertility and other issues that frequently result in adoption as an option are often disappointed by failed adoptions, particularly international adoptions. What happens when one adopts a child that has a mental illness and other issues that present a clear and present danger to those living in the immediate environment? Who do these parents call for help? Currently no one is truly designated as an assistant, as involvement isn't usually called unless the child is in danger.