13 votes

How a law meant to curb infanticide was used to abandon teens

7 comments

  1. [2]
    Leon
    (edited )
    Link
    This article shows some really interesting things. Trying to apply a new rule on a complex system with an entirely positive and supportive intent can result in unexpected results, most of which...

    This article shows some really interesting things. Trying to apply a new rule on a complex system with an entirely positive and supportive intent can result in unexpected results, most of which are either very difficult or impossible to spot prior to said result (as any UI designer will tell you, ) and there are more parents a hair away from breaking point than we might realise.

    The unintended consequence shines a light on a hidden problem that always needed solving.

    I grew up in a single parent home and I feel damn lucky considering how much pressure my mum withstood in order to raise us properly.

    3 votes
    1. Catt
      Link Parent
      And I think this is the really sad part. This law was really there to be the last option, and it's disheartening that this basically a bandaid, is used more than expected. Really speaks to how...

      ...and there are more parents a hair away from breaking point than we might realise.

      And I think this is the really sad part. This law was really there to be the last option, and it's disheartening that this basically a bandaid, is used more than expected. Really speaks to how these families are failed well before this point.

      3 votes
  2. [5]
    Cyhchan
    Link
    This is heartbreaking. The system has really failed both the parents and children in putting necessary supports in place. I'd like to think that these children are going to go to a place that can...

    It wasn't infants, but kids and teens being abandoned, many at hospital emergency wards. Most were between the ages of 10 and 17.

    This is heartbreaking. The system has really failed both the parents and children in putting necessary supports in place. I'd like to think that these children are going to go to a place that can better meet their needs, but part of me doubts it. I'm sure that they're just going to be lost in the foster care system.

    3 votes
    1. [2]
      sublime_aenima
      Link Parent
      It's crazy to realize that some of these kids are probably better off getting lost in the foster system (which needs a major overhaul) than to have stayed with their parents. I see so many...

      It's crazy to realize that some of these kids are probably better off getting lost in the foster system (which needs a major overhaul) than to have stayed with their parents. I see so many articles lately of parents killing or torturing their kids. My wife works with clients that come from being basically raised by the streets after their parents were unable to care for them, but they had no where to go for help. Many of these same clients have children they have abandoned as well, but thankfully in their case the kids have been taken in by foster care, which at least is a roof and meals.

      2 votes
      1. Cyhchan
        Link Parent
        True, and definitely beats being drowned in a bathtub. I've know people from foster homes as well who basically get tossed from home to home and don't ever get adopted. Seeing how these are older...

        Many of these same clients have children they have abandoned as well, but thankfully in their case the kids have been taken in by foster care, which at least is a roof and meals.

        True, and definitely beats being drowned in a bathtub. I've know people from foster homes as well who basically get tossed from home to home and don't ever get adopted. Seeing how these are older children, many of whom have behavioural problems, it seems unlikely they will find a permanent home. It's good that they have at least their basic necessities met, but it's definitely going to be tough in most other aspects.

        2 votes
    2. [2]
      Catt
      Link Parent
      I can't even imagine how being abandoned would feel for a child between those ages. I really hope they get the care they need, but have my doubts too.

      I can't even imagine how being abandoned would feel for a child between those ages. I really hope they get the care they need, but have my doubts too.

      1 vote
      1. Cyhchan
        Link Parent
        Yeah, at least an infant won't have any memories of their parents. I can't imagine how it would feel as a 15 year old to be dropped off at a hospital one day and never see my parents again.

        Yeah, at least an infant won't have any memories of their parents. I can't imagine how it would feel as a 15 year old to be dropped off at a hospital one day and never see my parents again.

        1 vote