Custody Of Your Child(ren)

[Angelwings]

I was just wondering if you can lose custody of your child(ren) because of severe PTSD. I have flashbacks where I think I'm being abused again. They usually happen at night, but once in a while they happen at home. Right now he's in school so he doesn't see it, but...anyway, anyone know the answer to this one?

 

[jd9900]

You can. Once lawyers get involved, they can make it very difficult (and pricey.) My best advice is if someone is threatening to take your children is to lawyer up.

 

[Deleted member 1860]

It's really sad, but yes, if someone else gets involved and says you're a bad parent because of your PTSD, things can become difficult. Even if it minimally affects your kids, there is the whole stigma of mental illness and the public perception of PTSD isn't a good one.

Do whatever you can to protect yourself. It's really sad that we can have our diagnosis held against us, especially since we're the ones who are actively working on healing. There are a ton of parents living in denial who aren't diagnosed and are causing more damage to their kids. It's these people that society should be concerned about.

 

[Seasounds]

Getting approval for SSDI for PTSD, and child custody are two different issues. In addition to a lawyer, you may want to have a social worker on your team. They can both look into Child Protective Service's concerns, requirements to maintain custody. I've always heard that 'disclosing the minimum necessary' is best. Do tell of you ability to be a good parent!

 

[arfie]

This is among the places I have seen a good support network perform miracles. The concern is for the welfare of the child. The active presence supportive adults goes a long way to easing the worries. Gooder than lawyers in my personal experience. I know I needed help with my own PTSD parenting and still missed perfection by a mile. Still glad I gave it my best shot.

 

[Deleted member 1860]

Disclosing the minimum necessary is easier said than done. Approval rates for SSDI hover around 25% in the initial round, so holding back can actually work against you. And who really knows what the threshold level is for "enough" to get you approved? I have no idea what your actual situation is, or how your symptoms compare to mine (as to say you're in for a battle or if you may be more likely to be approved). Your best bet is to hire that lawyer as your case is a bit more complicated.

 

[Seasounds]

Solara makes a point that most initial applications are declined, for a variety of reasons. If you search the web for 'SSDI application help', you'll find some non-governmental agencies that specialize and submit applications-for a fee that they will accept over time once you get your approval. Friends have loved it. For first time approval, I hope your lawyer or a non-governmental agency can do it.

I'd still recommend getting coached on what to reveal about your PTSD, so you get approved, and so you can keep your kids. The professionals will know what you need to reveal for disability approval, and what you can keep to yourself, like dreams, that DSHS may make a big deal about, when this topic is personal or therapist material, not governmental.

Your lawyer, an experienced social worker, or an agent, with the application companies, will know.