Parenting skills

A patient who had a taumatic brain injury when she was 2 (she was thrown from a car), is now in her 20's and has a child who is a year old.  The baby was taken away by Child Protective Services several months ago due to neglect (i.e., she didn't feed the baby for days other than water, didn't change the baby, rode her bike with the baby strapped on in an infant carrier or in a backpack, etc.).  Both the primary care physician and the neuropsychologist have stated that she lacks "executive functioning skills" (problem solving and reasoning).  It is mostly right brain involvement.  She is completely oblivious to her deficits and does not recognize when there is a problem (as if she were in danger--the mother has been assaulted repeatedly, or the child needed medical attention).  

Are there any guidelines as to the minimum standard required to be a parent?  Her attorney is arguing that the baby was not ever truly harmed.  I fear that if the child is returned she will not make it.  Thank you very much for your help.

[CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS]

Dear Caroline:

That is not standard of parenting that I am aware of.  There is a concern of potential harm then the courts can remove a child if the potential is thought to be major.  But what is major?  Each court is different in their interpretation.  I am not sure what to tell you.  This sounds like a legal issue as neurologically there is no real parenting standards, other than neurological functioning that is objective.

Sincerely,

CCF Neuro MD

[TO Carol....by Julie]

I fear your same thoughts, as well.  This individual does not seem to have the proper "thought process" necessary to adequately care for her child.  Whether or not this has anything at all to do with her TBI early in life isn't much of a case.  This poor child is the issue.  Please keep me updated on the situation.  I would love to know more if you were willing to share.  You could e-mail me at ***@****
Good luck...however you are involved with the case, you seem to have a proper mindset in regards to the situation!