The Perils of Parents with Disabilities: Not Just from the Abuser, But Also from the Child Welfare System

 

 

Time: 3:00am - 4:30am

 

Description: "A major threat that keeps parents with disabilities from leaving their abusers is losing their children if they leave. Abusers use reports to child welfare to retaliate for the parent with a disability seeking safety or not complying with demands. When police are involved, child welfare reports are made if the children are witnesses to acts of violence. Children have been removed for “failure to protect.” About 50% of the parents at Freedom House, BFL’s Domestic Violence Shelter have open cases with New York City’s Administration for Children’s Services. Freedom House’s family services program assists individuals and families begin healing from the violence experienced and prepare for the future. We have occupational therapists evaluate an adult’s Activity of Daily Living skills and establish plans for interventions to help parents develop the skills necessary to live in the community and better nurture their children. Barrier Free Living recently brought a family court lawyer and a paralegal onto our team. Participants can apply this learning through exploring the child welfare prevention programs and legal services in their own communities. Resources will be shared to help find local resources." Click here to register