Navigating the System

From IEP meetings to CPS involvement, this section helps you survive the systems that were supposed to help. Advocacy tips, red tape breakdowns, and what no one prepared you for.

Navigating the System

6 Steps to protect yourself from false allegations

Devon, a child with reactive attachment disorder, exhibited calculated false allegations against his parent, causing significant distress and legal implications. As experts note, such children may use deceit to control their environments. Parents are advised to document daily occurrences, remain calm during allegations, and have a backup plan to protect their families.

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Navigating the System

I’ve tried the system. It doesn’t work.

The media is calling the Parkland massacre “preventable” and pointing to missed warning signs. But, I’ve heeded the warning signs. All these mental health services, like water and sunshine, have unwittingly nurtured Devon’s proclivity for violence. He’s only gotten bigger, stronger, smarter, and more dangerous. I fear he could be the next teen paraded across the headlines in handcuffs.

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Navigating the System

Mental Health workers are burnt out

Mental health workers are often overworked and underappreciated, leading to burnout that affects the quality of care they provide. The post emphasizes the importance of kindness towards these workers, conducting thorough research on service agencies, and advocating for better working conditions to ensure optimal care for children in need of mental health services.

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Navigating the System

Why I use the word “rage” and not “tantrum” for my child with developmental trauma

A parent shares her struggle with her son’s extreme behavioral issues, initially mislabeling them as “tantrums.” When she used the term “rages,” she received more serious attention and support from professionals. The distinction between tantrums and rages is crucial, as rages can be violent and destructive, requiring immediate intervention and help for both child and parent.

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Navigating the System

Don’t blame workers for psych center woes

The Strategic Behavioral Center in Charlotte, NC experienced a violent riot where patients attacked staff and vandalized the facility. While many criticized workers for their inaction, a parent of a resident highlighted the fear staff face regarding potential allegations and safety concerns, expressing understanding rather than blame for their behavior.

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AdoptionNavigating the System

Funding for Adopted Children

If you adopted a special needs child from foster care, you qualify for Medicaid until age 18, an adoption subsidy, a federal tax credit of $13,460 for 2016, and potential tuition exemptions at state colleges. You can negotiate subsidies if your child’s needs change and seek benefits with a qualifying diagnosis.

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Navigating the System

Mental Health Services – A glossary to get you started

The content outlines various mental health services for children, often organized through a clinical agency. It includes family therapy, individual therapy, in-home treatments, day treatment programs, foster care options, group homes, and Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facilities (PRTF). Each offers unique support based on the child’s needs and circumstances.

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Navigating the System

Assumptions: The deck is already stacked against you

Navigating the mental health system for children with extreme behaviors is fraught with misunderstandings. Parents face damaging assumptions from professionals, often leading to blame for their child’s issues. It’s vital to maintain a cautious stance, keep detailed records, and validate personal experiences while selectively absorbing advice from therapists. Trust your instincts.

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