I am so angry at the mental health system

[Arch]

I'm sorry, Jeatyn. Words fail me.

Thanks, Spacial, for sending him info. I have been reading about Jeatyn's hearing in a sort of helpless rage, wondering what could be done--especially since I'm over here in the U.S. and don't know anything about U.K. systems and bureaucracies. Maybe he can make some headway with the resources you sent. Or maybe he'll just keep his head down and weather the storm.

[Mrs Erocse]

It is terrible to read how poorly Jeatyn is being treated. I have to agree with Arch that we do appreciate the assistance Spacial has offered. I hope all of this comes to pass in your favor Jeatyn.
I hope your labor is swift and safe. We are thinking of you and wishing you well.
~Hugs~

[Nathan.]

I'm really sorry that happend and i'm kinda shocked, I didn't actually think that it would turn out like this.

I wish I could do something but I know nothing of the system but I do hope that things start going your way soon.

[Jeatyn]

I am fighting, not taking it laying down because it's ridiculous, I just hope I can get some people on my side because if I fight and have no advocates it could backfire horribly. I never expected it to go this far at all. I've been on the phone all morning trying to contact various people who are involved to get copies of all their reports on me so I can get a solicitor. My one regret through all of this is that I assumed these people knew what they were doing, I should have been making my own reports and records because there's so many things that have come out that are a complete lie. Things like "heavy alcohol abuse" - I never drink, maybe 3 times a year at best I will have a few pints. It's all my word against theirs, and of course, the powers that be tend to believe the professionals over the crazy pregnant man.

Thank you very much for the links Spacial

[Lee]

The good thing about that is that, if you can get proof for your side, you may be able to show just how completely wrong they are to whomever is handling your case.  Maybe then they'll toss out all the other stupid stuff.

[Jeatyn]

Once again I'm only familiar with the procedure in Scotland, but here you're allowed to bring a friend or relative with you to the hearing. It might be helpful to have someone else who's obviously not dangerous with you vouching for just how ridiculous these allegations are, in the absence of any tangible proof (as in, unless you have any drunk and disorderly records, it's your word against theirs, and a friend confirming that you're not a dangerous alcoholic can't hurt in that scenario).

I had my two sisters with me and it was made out as if they were lying too

[Arch]

I had my two sisters with me and it was made out as if they were lying too

*^&^%%$!!!

WTF??!!

Absolute power corrupts absolutely. Someone needs to take these a-holes down a notch.

[spacial]

That rather stunned me as well Arch. At least, Jeatyn now has others to back her claims.

But this entire matter is so stunning. I just wish there was something more, any of us could do.

[Al James]

Jeatyn, sorry i wasnt online to add my support while your case was being heard but really can't believe the way it went. Keep fighting and show them what a good dad you are. Even if you have to fight within their constrictions at the end of the day when they've made up a lot of lies to swing the verdict their way lies can always be disproved. Unfortunately the powers that be know that most people havent got access to the kind of funds needed to appeal but i really hope that things get sorted

[LordKAT]

Leave the country before the baby is born.

[xAndrewx]

I agree with lordkat I really wish there was a way that you could

[SnailPace]

I've been thinking about this and wondering... what if you get the media involved?

I'm sure that there are a few liberal newspapers that would publish this situation.  And if there are newspaper articles it would be a lit easier for bloggers to get behind you as well.  What we need is a public outcry!

I've had some additional thoughts: Is there a place that people from this forum can send emails or letters about this? Perhaps petitioning to re-look the case?

[LordKAT]

I've been thinking about this and wondering... what if you get the media involved?

I'm sure that there are a few liberal newspapers that would publish this situation.  And if there are newspaper articles it would be a lit easier for bloggers to get behind you as well.  What we need is a public outcry!

I've had some additional thoughts: Is there a place that people from this forum can send emails or letters about this? Perhaps petitioning to re-look the case?

If it is anything at all like it is in the USA, that is no use. I am serious when I say leave the country. The likelyhood of you getting your child back with you are slim to none.

[Fencesitter]

I'd also say,
get liberal media attention or leave the country. Very sorry for the results!

[Jeatyn]

Many people who this happens to go to the media, social services simply refuse to comment either way and carry on with their proceedings as normal. I can't leave the country, I have no money and nowhere to go. I've been told emergency proceedings to lift the child will start if I so much as leave this city, never mind country =/

Even if I end up having to put my daughter in to private foster care with my sister and move in with her I'm going to keep this baby around me.

[Lee]

So is there no way at all to have your case looked at by another person? 

[Jeatyn]

I can appeal the case but my problem now is time. I could be going in to labour any day now and if things aren't sorted when that happens they can file emergency proceedings and take her off me straight from the labour ward. Especially considering it's near christmas, my appeal wouldn't be looked at until way too late. I am best off fighting the current case.

[Janet_Girl]

It there anything we can do?  Write letters, make phone calls.  This is so not fair.

[Lee]

You mentioned having your sister being her official guardian.  Would it be possible to get that set up before she's born?  I can't imagine what it would be like to have your daughter taken away for you.  I'm praying for you man.

[xAndrewx]

This is horrible man I'm so so sorry. Like Janet said if there is anything we can do let us know. There are many people on here who would and I know quite a few people who would write letters stating that a trans man can take care of kids just as well as non trans people. If you want I can share your case with a transmale friend of mine who works on a lot of trans legal issues. Do you mind me giving him the link and seeing if he can help at all? As Lee said maybe your sister could adopt your daughter until she gets a little older and then sign custody back to you in time?