I am so angry at the mental health system

[spacial]

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

Understand Jeatyn.

You need to make a list of what exactly you want to present, to back your case. Try to stick to those sources which you feel comfortable with.

Then, make a sub list of those which you intend to use.

Compile a presentation. Organise it so each of the issues is dealt with by section. Suggest you put the testimonials last.

Leave it for a day. or so. Then look again and make sure it's what you want to say.

Then print as many copies as there are people on the panel. In addition, print some for other significant people, including the local press and such. Put each into a folder.

Distribute them.

It is actually better to have too much, provided it's all relevant, that too little.

Good luck love.

[Jeatyn]

A quick update

I've been issued an official pre-proceedings letter basically saying if I refuse to comply I will be taken to court to get the baby taken in to care the second she's born. Up until now these have been idle threats with nothing on paper.

I wrote to my councillors asking for help a while ago and I got a reply, they "looked in to it" apparently, and I got a horribly condescending letter back that pretty much just reiterated all the nonsense in the social workers reports....I'm unstable, I'm an alcoholic, I abuse drugs, etc etc....and that it was nothing to do with me being trans, and basically making me look a moron for bringing out the discrimination card in the first place.

For the record I've even gone as far as getting a drug test and a liver screening to try and prove that the alcohol and drug accusations aren't true....nobody gives a crap.

I don't know what else to do, I'm being lied about and none of my refutes are being taken seriously.

[cynthialee]

Looking like you are going to need to trust in the evidence you submit and hope to god that the judge hates someone on the other side.
This is one of the saddest screwy situations I have heard.
I am not surprised they didnt say anything about being trans in formal papers. Their lawyer musta gave them the heads up.

[spacial]

Jeatyn.

Look at this:  http://www.forced-adoption.com/introduction.asp

There is a whole lot to read but he does seem to have some good advice. You might also consider phoning him.

I do, strongly suggest, you contact this guy, with as many details as you can lay your hands on.

Remember, to cut and paste. He won't accept email attachments for reasons he has given.

But have a quick read first.

[LordKAT]

The things he says in that article are true for the USA also. Very accurate of what happens here right down to the forced adoptions and threats of future possible abuse and the only things social workers need to do is say it is in their opinion. That trumps any lawyer, expert, psychiatrist/psychologist, witness, or anything else.

[Jeatyn]

Crap, a lot of these "golden rules" I have already broken. I have agreed to all their experts assessing me and they've made it worse. I've tried to explain and elaborate on stupid statements in the reports....and they have indeed twisted the elaborations even further to make me sound even worse. It also says not to complain about the system or their policy's, I have sent off several letters to higher ups pointing out mistakes and it has made them even more heavy handed. This latest letter goes on about how I've been hostile and uncooperative to the social workers and everything. I don't believe how ridiculous this system is, it truly boggles my mind.

[tekla]

I think that people in other countries might be more trusting of their governments than Americans are, but for everyone I know here it's pretty much engrained that:
NEVER TALK TO THE AUTHORITIES (no matter who they are) WITHOUT A LAWYER PRESENT.

tell the questioner: I need counsel to address that question.

[pixiegirl]

No offence to them but don't bother with your local councillors - even if they're inclined to help they have no pull with the social services in this, and a lot to lose if they get involved. If you're going to try to get any representitive help you need to start at the MP level. Try and find out their clinic hours.

This whole thing is horriffic, but unfortunately standard operating procedure for child welfare (thats a laugh) in the UK. I'd love to offer some better advice, but I think for right now, you need to focus on having the baby and then being strong once she's here. Grit your teeth and play along to stay together then get to fighting them somehow.

[spacial]

Jeatyn

Contact that guy. Explain everything. Write it out as a time line.  Cut and paste as much official stuff as you can. Then phone him to tell him what you done and ask for his help.

http://www.forced-adoption.com/introduction.asp

[Jeatyn]

I wanted a lawyer present when I had the original child protection conference, but like an idiot I used one that the social recommended, and she mysteriously wasn't available to attend the day of the conference. The one I have now I found on my own and he has basically told me not to say anything and not to sign anything and any papers I get I am to send to him.

The shrink they made me see did her damaging assessment of me and it's her they've got as an "expert" to say I have a whole mess of mental disorders and an alcohol abuse problem. She has also been completely unavailable to talk to since she sent out this report. It's insanity.

[spacial]

Yes, it is.

Give the web address of http://www.forced-adoption.com/introduction.asp to your lawyer.

I have to say, I'm so pleased you got one. But he is going to need information. And you need to take it easy. He needs now to get this nonsense under some control.

[LordKAT]

I had a lawyer too, the judge told him to shut up and sit down. some good that does.

[Arch]

Solution: hit man.

I hope this lawyer is able to help.

[LordKAT]

My advice remains the same, get out while you still can.

[Sarah B]

Hi Jeatyn

Just read this thread and I'm so sorry I did not read it much sooner.  As others have expressed, their total outrage at the injustice that is being done. I'm also livid at the injustice of the situation.

I have just sent you and Spacial personal messages, that may provide the help you need.

Take care and my thoughts are with you.

Love and hugs
Sarah B

[lilacwoman]

the lawyers at Leigh Day are the best with these human rights issues.  email the basic facts to them immediately and see what they recommend.

[Jeatyn]

God dammit, had a review conference today. Social Services are now officially issuing care proceedings to take the baby off me. This means I will probably be spending christmas, new year and my birthday under surveillance in the hospital while all the bank holidays are going by to get a court date -_-

My midwife, an independent psychiatrist and the head of safeguarding nurse strongly disagreed with it, and the chairperson asked the social worker like 3 times if she was sure she wouldn't change her mind....they are still going ahead with it.

[Janet_Girl]

I can only hope and pray that they see she was dead wrong and then help to support you and the baby.

This is so transparently trans/homo phobic that it is not funny.

[Lee]

I can only hope and pray that they see she was dead wrong and then help to support you and the baby.

This is so transparently trans/homo phobic that it is not funny.

I don't know what else I can add, but this is complete bull->-bleeped-<-.  I still can't believe they're doing this to you (and your daughter). 

[Clay]

this makes me so angry and sad at the same time. i wish i could contribute anything helpful, but i can only wish you lots of strenght.