Issue:
It has come to our attention that many peers have had DHHS involvement for their children or other family members or themselves. Involvement with the State is often stressful even in good situations. When the risk is having a loved one removed or having already been removed, requirements to complete specific tasks or meetings, that involvement can become even more stressful. These events can cause mental health issues to be worsened. This situation can cause someone to become aggressive, shut down, make poor choices, create an inability to focus on or understand the wording in documents, become overwhelmed, or give up entirely.
And occasionally old or outdated mental health diagnoses are often used by the state.
Recommendations:
- That Peers be given an opportunity to have Peer support provided to assist them through the process that is there for their benefit, not for the states. Extensive peer training could improve the outcomes of state-involved removal of children from homes, to lessen the stress and emotional impact of this unfortunate situation. A peer with CPS lived experience might be preferable.
- This person should be given the same legal protection a spouse would receive so that they could not be compelled to testify. This person would not be a legal advisor to the peer and would not be an informant for the state. They would solely be there as support person for the individual.
- The State would be required to use mental health info that is current.
- Training by State workers to show that a mental health diagnosis does not mean a parent can’t effectively provide a safe loving home.
Expected Outcomes:
- Less children will be removed from the home.
- The state will more effectively be able to use other options, such as reg home visits, counselling, parenting skill builders and community to help parents reach their full potential to raise safe and happy children.
- Less trauma from removal for children, parents, and other family members.
- Less stigma from State workers.
- More in-home supports for families.
To submit feedback, ideas, or a personal story relating to this issue statement, please send it to the CCSM either by mail at: 219 Capitol St., Suite 7, Augusta, ME 04330, or email at [email protected].
DEADLINE TO RESPOND: Monday August 12th
