Safe Haven turns to Dumping Ground!
Find a Conversation
Safe Haven turns to Dumping Ground!
| Fri, 11-14-2008 - 4:27pm |
What has happened here in Nebraska since the implementation of our "Safe Haven" law has been a blemish on our state.

Pages
I think it's utterly ridiculous that they don't have an age limit in NE.
Thanks for your thoughts.
Really?
>>> Really? That's interesting. I agree that there are families with kids who truly need help and this whole situation has highlighted that need. However, don't you think it would be more beneficial to all involved to have seperate and additional programs accessable to those families?
Yes...I'd support an "emergency family care" program, but it would probably end up being the bureaucratic nightmare that welfare, wick and medicaid are. I can only imagine that a parent abandoning their kids must be facing a very fearful situation, so until an alternative program is put in place, I don't think this program should be made more exclusive.
>>> The problem I have with the application of this law to older kids is the parents completely forfeit their rights and the scars it leaves on the kids simply cannot be measured. It has become obvious that the programs in place are insufficient, and I certainly don't claim to know the answer.
If it's true that parents who leave their kids here forfeit their rights, then I disagree with that "rule." I think that the parents should, necessarily, forfeit their custodial rights, at least temporarily, they should be able to reassert their parental rights if their situation becomes more tenable...and the state should work with the parents to make their situation more tenable.
>>> I guess this whole thing gets me because we are forced to realize how desperate some situations are and I truly feel many of these parents have exhausted every other option. What they really need are more options. The whole thing is so sad!
I completely agree...these are families on the precipice...which is why I would support keeping the program inclusive until a better program can be put in place.
I have to admit that despite the seriousness of the situation I chuckled a little at people dropping off their teenagers. Possibly because I have one in my immediate family that I wish we could drop off somewhere at times but there is a difference between wishing you could and actually DOING it.
LOL, I know what you mean, and mine are only 4 and 2.
Pages