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Neurology (Expert Forum)
Parenting skills
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Parenting skills
by Caroline, Dec 11, 2000 12:00AM
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.
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.
Doctor's Answer
by CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS, Dec 11, 2000 12:00AM
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
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
Good luck...however you are involved with the case, you seem to have a proper mindset in regards to the situation!