She is Bipolar; Her Quadruplets Were Shaken - Discussions

My article on Shannon Elizabeth Whittle, the bipolar, 23-year-old mother of quadruplets who was convicted late last year in their severe injuries, has sparked a lively debate about the role of social workers in the daily lives of those who struggle with mental illness, and whether the mental health/social services community has an obligation to ensure that mentally ill parents' illnesses are as stable as they can be.

Bobbie, who describes herself as "A classic Irish mom," writes: "I'm all for the system helping when it can, but you know our country has gotten so far from where it should be -- where we take care of our children ourselves and not expect society to do it for us. People really need to take assesment and not have children if they are unable to cope. And before you condem me for those thoughts I have first hand knowledge of this, as I had my Mother committed for drug abuse and mental illnesses, one of which is bi-polar. She went on to have another child (3rd) knowing full well her lack of capability. I know that she's not the only one doing so. Over the past 30 years or so when DSS/Social Services have come more into play we are raising a society to become less self-reliant and more reliant on the services offered by our government. We need to get back to the mind set of being responsible for our own actions and deeds and for placing blame with ourselves rather than on others. If she did this to her children, regardless of her disease, then she needs to pay."

To compare today's times with 30 years ago is difficult for me. We are so much more mobile now, and not necessarily living near extended family. I believe that years ago, children of a mother with a mental disorder (which was probably undiagnosed and untreated) were raised in large part by nearby grandmother's and aunts, who knew something was wrong and stepped in to help the children and family.

Tina has seen situations with mentally ill parents first-hand. "I've seen it many way too many times too often about parents with bipolar, etc. who abuse their kids because pepople refuse to make sure they're getting the help they need, and then what about the ones who try to get help and have their kids taken away? Justice sometimes, is not fair."

But where is the balance of responsibility between the patient and his or her family, and the mental health community whose job it is to treat mental illnesses? Many parents with mood and personality disorders who receive adequate treatment can regain the sensitivity, intuition, and common sense it takes to be a good parent. But doesn't the lack of funding for adequate service, the lack of access to good providers, and the lack of parity for those who seek treatment affect which parents can remain stable and be there for their children? The very parents who need the most help and support are likely the same ones who fall through the cracks when they have to choose between diapers and formula, or a copay for their med checks, between paying the electric bill, and paying for their refill.

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