[blparent] model state custody bill

[Veronica Smith]

I have a good friend who this happened to in Tennessee.  She now lives in
New Mexico.  Before I met her, I had only heard of such things, but when you
meet someone who it really happened to, boy it makes you realize just how
unfair this world really is.

-----Original Message-----
From: blparent-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blparent-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
Behalf Of Marsha Drenth
Sent: Friday, September 07, 2012 7:12 PM
To: Blind Parents Mailing List
Subject: [blparent] model state custody bill

Hi Parents,  

Attached is the model custody bill. There are currently 5 states who have
this legislation, so we have 45 more states to go. 

I know that some of you have not had issues with CPS, and that is great. But
for those who have, we really need to work on getting this bill passed. My
intention is not to send this model legislation to spark debate. But whether
or not you agree children are taken away from blind parents, blind parents
are investigated more often, and social service agencies do use a parents
blindness as a point of contention. 

I know of 4 parents dealing with CPS right now alone. And I am sure that
there are more I and you don't know about. 

Like I said, if you are one of the lucky ones who have not had issues social
services, that is great. But what is needed that you support those who have
had issues. Again whether or not you agree with it, bashing, and
criticizing, is NOT what they need. Yes there are usually other reasons that
social services gets involved, but again it does not matter, its a blind
parent. And they need our help, our support and our understanding. 

Anyone who wants to talk about this legislation and all things that are
involved are welcome to eamil me off list. It would b great if this list
could be a resource that it really is suppose to be, for parents who are
going through difficulties. This is a great list, but if a parent joins us,
and we are not unitedbut bashing each other, what are they going to think.
Until you have been in someone else shoes you do not know what life,
experiences, struggles, challenges, and parenting are for them. 

You don't have to be an NFB member, attend a chapter meeting, or belong to
an affiliate, to work on this bill. The NFB could and would I am sure help,
if you needed their help with passing this bill. 

Thank you,