Parents struggling to secure mental health care for their children are increasingly finding themselves at dire crossroads, often leading to the abandonment of their children to state custody. This troubling trend is highlighted by the experiences within the Oklahoma child welfare system, where overwhelmed families are turning to state shelters as last-resort options.
Located between busy highways and railroad tracks, the only emergency youth shelter in Tulsa serves as a temporary refuge for teenagers who have either been abandoned by their parents or taken from their homes due to mental health crises. Craig Henderson, director of counseling services at Youth Services of Tulsa, describes the shelter’s environment, familiar to many teens with mental health needs. "The kids can be wary of one another and staff, and some say the Youth Services of Tulsa shelter reminds them of a detention center," he explained. This stark comparison highlights the challenges faced by these vulnerable youths, often grappling with issues ranging from anxiety and depression to aggressive behaviors.
Over recent years, the state has seen troubling patterns emerge; many parents, at their breaking point, refuse to pick up their children from emergency rooms or psychiatric hospitals. These actions stem from deep concerns over safety—for both their children and the family as a whole. According to the Oklahoma Department of Human Services, about 12% of over 3,300 children entering state custody were removed due to abandonment, with indications this situation shows no signs of improvement.
This is especially troubling because children entering state care often have more complex needs. According to child welfare monitors, many of these youths face behavioral challenges and developmental disabilities, significantly complicate their reintegration process after their abandonment. "We’ll do anything we can to keep the family intact and get the services in place to keep everyone safe," said Tricia Howell, Oklahoma’s child welfare director. This sentiment reflects the struggle to maintain family unity amid overwhelming crises.
The issue of parental abandonment linked to mental health struggles is real and complex. Families often grapple with not just their child’s mental health but also the systemic inadequacies of the support services available. While the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services reported over half of middle and high school students experience moderate to severe psychological distress, the resources to support these children are scarce. Long waitlists for therapy appointments exacerbate the situation, often driving desperate parents to seek emergency care more frequently—a situation only worsening the strain on both families and emergency services.
Despite recent investments by state lawmakers to tackle the mental health crisis, with $18.5 million allocated for new crisis mental health services for kids, the reality remains grim. Oklahoma has only three urgent recovery centers for youth care, which limits immediate access for families needing prompt help. The state’s lack of child and adolescent psychiatrists compounds these challenges, as only nine of 77 counties had any specialists by 2022.
Whitney Downie, chief strategy officer with Family and Children’s Services, voiced the fatigue many parents experience. "Parents don’t have children to give them away," she said, emphasizing the emotional weight of such decisions. The harsh reality is compounded by fears among parents—if they fail to keep their kids safe, will the state intervene and take away all their children? This dangerous mindset pushes some parents to abandon difficult children, hoping the state will take over their care.
Cases of potential abandonment often land at the desk of Jaclyn Rivera, Oklahoma County’s Assistant District Attorney. She closely studies each situation, assembling facts about what the family has attempted to secure mental health care for their children. "It’s uncommon for parents to face criminal abandonment charges in court," Rivera noted, explaining the complex dynamics at play. Parental involvement is evaluated, and those who show willingness to cooperate are often provided with support rather than punitive measures.
Children who suffer through neglect and emotion hurt as they transition repeatedly through multiple shelters or facilities, described by numerous advocates as 'shelter hopping.' This not only hinders their personal development and recovery potential but also instills formidable hardness and abandonment issues deep within. One young child Rivera tracked has been through about 18 placements, illustrating just how difficult it can be for youths to build trust and find stability within the system.
Increasingly, children with certain psychological needs or developmental disabilities are being moved out of state for care because Oklahoma lacks the resources to treat them adequately. A significant concern remains unresolved; how will the state provide for maximum care under growing systemic shortages? Some mental health facilities can only treat children for as long as they pose actively dangerous threats, limiting their ability to receive comprehensive care on necessary medication regimens before discharge.
Encouragingly, some programs are starting to develop, and lawmakers continue to work to increase the range of options available for kids struggling with mental health issues. A notable program called Bridges offers families resources and support after discharging young patients from inpatient care. Such efforts are intended to stem the overflow of youth entering state care.
Yet, the reality faced by many families remains bleak. The echo of disconnection can linger long after mental health struggles fade; the road to recovery is complex and requires the combined efforts of families, state agencies, and the mental health community to forge systemic solutions. The continual challenges highlight the need for adequate resources to help families before they reach the point of crisis, aiming to steer clear of abandonment altogether and support the mental health of children holistically.