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With the legalization of certain medicines spreading across the country, there are more discussions occurring about a sore spot in the industry– the involvement of Child Protective Services, which often creates a destructive change. Not only is CPS becoming more intrusive, the support from the community has been lax, while there has been tireless activism put into the space by individuals who have been directly affected by these situations.For example, Sara Arnold (a.k.a. Sahra Kent) has been working with CPS for over a decade as her pseudonym (mentioned above) first, and then she worked as the co-founder of FLCA. At the same time that Arnold was participating in a Time article focused on women's activities in the industry, her daughter was diagnosed as having DIPG brain cancer.
After having to deal with CPS completely alone, Arnold learned first-hand that far too many parents are “in it alone.” There’s no legal help or family dispute lawyers available to help with this, and what exists for these individuals will often cost a lot more than what parents are able to afford. It’s important to note, with CPS, there’s no burden of proof required, which is something that Arnold saw first-hand when she received the call that should would have to deal with this agency for both her and her daughter’s use of certain medical approved treatments.
Many claim that CPS is a Kafkaesque system, which is one that parents have to remain compliant or they can risk additional steps being taken against them. This action is taken by people who, even in states where the medicine in question is legal, view it as a dangerous drug for parents to use, comparing it to meth and heroin. Arnold has pointed to the stigmatization that this is a situation that is unique to having to deal with CPS, stating that the process winds up in parents feeling as though they are second-class citizens. While the marginalized communities are usually targeted for the possibility of drug use, there’s no way that parents can protect themselves or their children from CPS interference.
She states that there are some parents that feel a sense of freedom living in the states where it is legal because they aren’t aware that the agency not only can, but will, involve itself in their situation with the most minimal reason. Parents who are on Medicaid, who are of color, or who have metal health issues, or disabilities are more than aware that the use of certain medicines can cause a stigma and interdiction on the part of CPS.
Since there are some medical treatments that are still illegal on the Federal level, the CPS agency has the ability and authority to understand that this is something that may impact or endanger a child’s well-being. While there is some legislation that may allow for some protections for some patients on certain medical treatments, it is still left to CPS to figure out if there are any signs of neglect. While the options are limited, there are organizations, like the one mentioned above, that are ready to step in and help parents who are found in this situation. Those who need this help can also reach out to law firms, such as KM Family Law to learn about the available options.
Contact Info:
Name: Kimberly Miller
Email: Send Email
Organization: KM Family Law
Website: http://www.kmfamilylaw.com/
Release ID: 88920490
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