Expert: Joyce A. Anthony - 2/7/2009

Question
Recently I have been having problems with the local Department of Children and Families in regards to me being bipolar and them not feeling that it is safe for me to raise my child due to this. They have stated that due to my condition, which I am medicated and going to therapy for, I am a danger to her. I do not want to loose my child but I don't know where to go for help. Do you know of any resource or place that deals specifically with bipolar parents trying to raise small children? I think that if I can just prove to them that their concerns are unwarranted, I have never ever done anything that could be seen as a threat to my child, they would let it go (maybe that's just wishful thinking on my part). I have looked everywhere for a resource about parents with bipolar raising children successfully but I have yet to find anything. Any help would be appreciated.

Answer
Hi Sharon:

Without knowing exactly where you are located, I can't give you any specific places to call, but I can tell you that having a bipolar diagnosis is not cause for having your children taken. It might help if you can get a statement from your psychiatrist stating that you are stable and attending counseling and taking medication as prescribed.  At this point, he or she will be your strongest ally.
                             Joyce A. Anthony