Mother of a Mental Health Child - Is continued education in all aspects of law enforcement the truth? Through all the professionals a mentally challenged individual passes from the arresting officer, pretrial, attorneys, jail staff, guards and judge.... who are all supposedly trained.... then why are so many of the mentally ill falling through the cracks?
This is my story. There once was a boy who was wonderful, smart and sweet who turned 12 years of age and forever changed. Once wonderful was impossible. Once smart was easily confused. Once sweet was difficult. EVERYONE said its behavioral! Mom knew better but didn't know what...I was after all a mother not a trained professional. Over a decade later... my son continues to sit in jail (again). His judgement described as dangerous....NO he's just Mentally ill. On a good day or if he's taking his meds He is still never at 100%. He is SMI, bipolar and schizophrenic and never has had one day in Mental Health Court. How and Why?
Nidia Taheny
East side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
