I am so angry at the mental health system

[Jeatyn]

I don't want to hand over my daughter to my sister unless I absolutely have to. It's complicated with her already being an official foster carer. If this case goes through I will no longer be allowed inside my sisters house because I would be deemed a danger to the foster kids she takes care of. So she would have to move out in to a new place with me until it was all sorted and leave her husband to take care of the other kids.

I have no idea who you guys would write to, I'm just waiting for reports to come through at the minute and once I have everything together I can make another appointment with my lawyer to see exactly what can be done.

[Lee]

If this case goes through I will no longer be allowed inside my sisters house because I would be deemed a danger to the foster kids she takes care of.

Now that is just ridiculous. 

[Arch]

This case is undoubtedly one of the biggest crocks I've ever seen. I'm just hoping for the best.

I hope your labor is easy and quick, Jeatyn.

[Mrs Erocse]

Yes. We are all very sorry this is happening. You are in our thoughts and we are hoping someone sees sense soon.
~Big Hugs~
The Erocses

[Jeatyn]

My review conference that was supposed to happen "as soon as possible" after I didn't agree with the social workers plan is being held on the 15th of december. Less than a week before my due date....they are so doing this on purpose.

[LordKAT]

My review conference that was supposed to happen "as soon as possible" after I didn't agree with the social workers plan is being held on the 15th of december. Less than a week before my due date....they are so doing this on purpose.

Yup, par for the course. Welcome to my nightmare of the last 25 years and why I had to wait to transition (or be childless legal wise).

[lilacwoman]

Just as a matter of interest the United Nations does offer protection for all signatory country's people the freedom from unnecessary harm and I'd like to know just how the UN sees the legalised distressing that compels a woman to have a new born baby taken away?

Losing a new baby is supposed to be traumatic yet at the same time lots of surrogates do just that so is this double standard causing Jeatyn's problem?

[LordKAT]

Just as a matter of interest the United Nations does offer protection for all signatory country's people the freedom from unnecessary harm and I'd like to know just how the UN sees the legalised distressing that compels a woman to have a new born baby taken away?

It isn't deemed unnecessary harm, rather it is deemed necessary to 'protect' the child.

Losing a new baby is supposed to be traumatic yet at the same time lots of surrogates do just that so is this double standard causing Jeatyn's problem?

No

[Jeatyn]

If any of you want to help I'm sort of trying to gather evidence that being trans doesn't mean you'll be a bad parent. If any of you with kids, younger ones especially, want to write some sort of testimonial for me it might help add some weight.

I'm the only transperson they've ever dealt with and they seem to think it's the most insane thing in the universe for me to be able to just have a child and be completely fine.

[Lee]

No personal experience, but I'll do some research when I get home tonight.

[Nemo]

Late to the party as usual, but:

I can't believe the crap you're being put through - the big question on my mind is, do these idiots not realise that by piling all this stress on you, they could be putting the baby's life in danger?! The only safe period in pregnancy is the middle three months, do they not know that?!

Not saying this to scare you, just stating facts. I do hope you're at least being monitored properly, especially due to the above.

I really wish I could help you. If my baby had survived it may have been possible to write you a note. On the other hand, I didn't know I was trans back then, so things could have been very different. All I can do is pray you'll both come through this; I'm sorry you're having to put up with so much BS

[LordKAT]

I raised four wonderful kids  and fostered 3 more. They know about me and their kids call me grandpa without even blinking. My kids are all fine healthy kids with various lives of their own. One is studying to be a minister, one is in the army to pay her way through college, one has a kid of their own and is about to graduate college as a mortician, one is a manager in a retail store. Do you need more on the foster kids?

[SnailPace]

I'll write out some basic info here, but if you want a formal letter I can write one up in Word and email it to you Jeatyn, okay?  Let me know if there are any specifics you are looking for.

  I am a pre-operative FtM trans man.  I have given birth to a child who is now one year old.  Being trans has in no way affected the quality of care I have provided to him. 
  He is a very happy child whose smile is often complimented by passers-by.
  I would do anything for my son, and if that means to breastfeed or appear "more feminine" then so be it!  Doing so has not affected my mental stability in any way.  I am capable and willing to be a wonderful Papa to him and there is no reason why any other trans person could not do the same.

[Jeatyn]

Thanks for the help guys if you could PM me a name/age/location to add to the testimonials it'll make them seem more "real" if you get me.

[spacial]

To reinforce Jeatyn's request, it is really important that you properly identify yourselves on any testimonials. Without proper reference, any statements and testimonials will have little value to the authorities.

Jeatyn will not misuse the information in any way. It is unlikely you will be contacted. But reference is ncessary

The UK Social Work authorities are notoriously secretive and certainly won't publish any details you may submit.

I do hope all those who are able, will assist Jeatyn with this. It will be appreciated by all.

[Arch]

I'm starting to wish I had kids, just so I could help out. But I would have been a disastrous parent.

[Jeatyn]

I've contacted gires and gender trust so far, I've had emails back saying things like "oh no that's terrible" but then no further replies or offers of advice =/ was very disappointed in them really.

[cynthialee]

Get working on that blogg post dude!
Time and the tides wait for no man.....

[SnailPace]

Yeah, I was thinking that if there were something a little more concrete than this thread to link to, I could send it in as a "Slog Tip" to Dan Savage.  (He's a very popular gay blogger and advice columnist in Seattle)  I don't know for sure that he would post it since he probably gets a lot of mail, but it sure would be worth a try! (He's the one who started the "It Gets Better" project, helped get the word out about Constance McMillan, etc)

[Jeatyn]

Just working on my appeal letter right now, then I will do the blog. Head is spinning with all the details!