Parents of children with serious mental health needs should not have to relinquish custody

By: Sue Abderholden

Outlets: Minnesota Reformer

Published: July 13, 2026

Words: 1,228

Last Updated: 1 week, 2 days ago

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Imagine raising a child with serious mental illness. You are doing your best and seeking intensive help for the child.

In many states — though thankfully, not Minnesota — parents in this situation have to relinquish custody of their child to the state or county, including decisionmaking about school, medicine and more, just to access residential mental health treatment.

It has nothing to do with the parents — no neglect or abuse has …

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