We found out today that the State of California has scheduled a meeting with our county's Mental Health supervisors to discuss my granddaughters care. It sounds rather hush-hush, only State people and the supervisors are attending. We haven't been invited, but we hope to learn more about it soon. In fact, if need be, we will insist upon it.
From what we were told, they will be discussing what hasn't been done, what needs to be done, and the resources available to her. What I would like to know is..... Why did it take so long??? Is this an isolated incident of neglect and oversight? Are there other families in our county, our state, our nation, going through the same thing we have been going through for almost an entire year? Why is it that her own crisis team, funded and provided by the county have never heard of the State recommended CMHP (County Mental Health Plan)?
There is a serious problem with all of this. I utterly hate that my granddaughter's case is what it took for people to take notice, because I would give anything to spare her the daily struggle she deals with. But I am grateful that something is being done. Hopefully it is being done before it is too late. But here's the thing, we won't know if it is too late will we. Everyday that she doesn't kill herself is a battle won. But damnit - this is a situation of life or death for a child! How could she have been failed for so long by those appointed to ensure her care? We trusted these professionals, who have the training and education that we do not. Why tried to see to every recommendation that they made, only to hit roadblock after roadblock. It finally took me writing a letter to the President of the United States for people to take notice. And now we are finding out that the resources have been in place to help children like her since 1965? What would have happened to her had that letter not been written? What still might happen, after this year of worsening mental health issues possibly due to this medical oversight and neglect?
How many other families are living in fear of their children taking their lives because of not being able to locate the resources available? Something more needs to be done, and apparently not just to educate parents but the professionals in charge of their child's care as well.
***More to come on the meeting, when we discover more. I am angry and I am determined to see that these questions are eventually answered. And I will be sharing them with all of you***
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