Parents of children with serious mental health needs should not have to relinquish custody

The article highlights a distressing trend where parents of children with serious mental health issues face the harsh requirement of giving up custody to the state, often to secure necessary residential care. This troubling practice, unfortunately common in many states, strips parents of their role and autonomy in making crucial decisions about their child's life, including education and medical care. The article emphasizes that this should not be the case, advocating for more supportive policies that allow parents to maintain custody and access the help their child needs without losing their role in their child's life. It's a crucial discussion, especially given the vital role parents play in their child's mental health journey.