Q
I live on Long Island in New york. I am having difficulty with my 14-year- old son in school. He is currently on medication for severe mood swings, which is helping, and Paxil for depression. He also goes to a psychiatrist for counseling and his medication. Now the real problem is getting him to school. So much damage has been done before the medication was begun. He is in an alternate setting within the school. Due to his poor attendance, the school is now asking me to consider a "pins" petition. I cannot get him out of the house and he will physically go after me if I try to dicipline him. Please tell me about a "pins" petition and what rights do I end up giving up. Will the courts take him away from me if keeps up his poor attendance? I am so confused. I've tried everything and he just takes me for granted and is no longer afraid of me and my consequences. Help me decide.
A
You are understandably overwhelmed by a situation which has had a long history but which has only recently (I'm assuming this to be the case) been receiving considerable professional attention. You do not "give up" your child by filing this petition. Clearly you are viewed as "the enemy" for attempting to discipline him and/or insist that he attend school. Obviously, this boy's life will only be further complicated if he is allowed to run his own life as he sees fit; presently if it were up to him , he wouldn't attend school at all.
You definitely have to change what you're currently doing, for the good of your son (even though he will rage at you initially for this) and for your own safety. I know this sounds like a nightmare and that you probably feel guilty about not being able to keep the court out of this, but you are being worn down and he is placing himself in a deeper and deeper hole.
I would strongly suggest that you attempt to secure the services of a sympathetic lawyer or child advocate who can fully explain all the details of this petition to both you and your son. What we in our profession call an intervention, is needed. Please insist on the fact that your son receive continuing, intensive therapy (not just meeting with a doctor for five minutes and getting a medication review) . I would also highly recommend that you find a good therapist for yourself; this is a crisis-laden time and anyone who would be dealing with your dilemma would need all the wise counsel and support they need. Good luck. I'll be hoping good things will slowly begin to happen for you and your boy.