La verdad que me da un terror, y más, porque este no es el único caso que he escuchado de algo así relacionado a que si la mamá faltó a llevarle a las terapias, por algo que pasó en su vida, no por irresponsabilidad y le quitan sus hijos, la verdad que me da error, porque el Departamento de la Familia no funciona en este área no brindan ayudas no brindan lo que deberían de brindar.
As a parent of a child with autism, I deeply relate to the fear expressed regarding the potential removal of children from their families due to missed therapy sessions. Life can be unpredictable; illness, emergencies, or unforeseen circumstances sometimes prevent attendance, yet parents are not negligent or irresponsible by default. In Puerto Rico, the issue seems especially poignant. The Department of Family Affairs is meant to provide support to families in distress, but many parents feel the assistance is insufficient or lacking. This can lead to tragic outcomes, like losing custody simply because a child misses therapy briefly due to reasons beyond the parent’s control. From my own experience, managing appointments for therapy can be a logistical challenge, particularly when juggling other responsibilities or relying on others for transportation. Sometimes a child may be sick, such as with COVID-19 or other illnesses, making attendance impossible and unsafe. Yet, the pressure to maintain perfect attendance can cause overwhelming anxiety. The story of Nemesis illustrates a cruel reality faced by some families: despite understandable absences, the system may not offer flexibility or understanding. It is crucial for departments responsible for child welfare to recognize and address these challenges by providing real support—whether through home visits, flexible scheduling, or comprehensive case management—rather than punitive measures. Parents should also be encouraged to communicate openly with healthcare providers and social workers, documenting illnesses and extenuating circumstances to protect their children’s well-being and their rights as caregivers. Ultimately, raising awareness about this issue can foster empathy and drive reforms to ensure that families receive the support they need without the threat of losing their children unjustly. Living with a vulnerable child should come with support, respect, and understanding—never with fear of losing custody due to circumstances out of a parent’s control.