When the Mental Health System Crumbles

This past month I received a blow – I found out that the residential facility my son had spent nearly 2 years at was closing its doors due to a string of negligence.  The reports of negligence toward the children living there began while my son lived there, but since his departure (which was thankfully just before COVID lockdown), not only had 4 children broken into the med cabinet and nearly died from overdose (they all needed dialysis), but one child had been hit by a car while “on run” and died as a result.  No doubt we knew at least one of these kids, and no doubt had my son still lived there he would have been caught up in all of it.  

When Your Child is Admitted to a Residential Treatment Program

If you are like me, residential treatment never crossed your mind as you held your newborn baby in your arms for the first time and rolled through the list hopes and dreams you imagined for your child.   My dreams for my firstborn included sleep overs, dirt and sweaty play outdoors, team sports, hitting developmental milestones and so many other “normal” things you think of in childhood.  Yet, that has not been our story.  Rather, ours has been one of struggle, years filled with doctor and therapy appointments, and along the way an unexpected placement out of our home.

How to Help Families with Kids in Crisis

Do you know someone who is going through a very difficult time with their child? Maybe it is someone who is in the throws of parenting a special needs child.  Maybe it is a parent enduring a hospitalization.  Maybe it is a family whose child just attempted suicide.  Or maybe even it is a family whose child was just arrested. 6 Ways you can help.

A Parent’s Guide: Checking Your Child Into a Psychiatric Hospital or Treatment Center

I belong to a support group for moms who parent children with mental health risk.  With the exception of just a few, all of us have had the experience of driving our child to a psychiatric hospital, filling out mounds of admission paperwork, saying a painful goodbye to our child, and driving away.  Whether it …

A Parent’s Guide: What to do when Your Child Experiences a Mental or Behavioral Health Crisis.

Maybe you can relate to this scenario:  hour long meltdowns for no apparent reason, inability to re-direct, aggressive tantrums that result in property destruction or flying objects, bruising left on you due to trying to restrain your child.  If this sounds familiar, or you know someone who is walking this path, keep reading. The holidays …