Bend, Oregon – When Amethyst Gibson brought her son back home from the hospital in Bend just days before Christmas, she never expected the devastating turn her life would take. Renting a room from a local homeowner, she thought she had everything set up for her baby, Dean, including all the essentials. However, a knock on the door one evening changed everything.
A caseworker from the Oregon Department of Human Services, accompanied by police officers, showed up at the door with a court order to remove Dean from his mother. This was not the first time Gibson had faced such a situation. With her parenting abilities called into question due to a psychological exam that labeled her IQ as borderline impaired, she had lost custody of her other children in the past.
The use of IQ scores to assess parental fitness is a contentious issue that has come under scrutiny. Child welfare agencies often rely on IQ tests, a practice that has been criticized by researchers and advocates. Critics argue that these tests are not valid measures of parenting capabilities and can unfairly target parents with intellectual disabilities. The reliance on IQ scores has led to numerous cases of children being removed from their homes, sparking debates about discrimination based on disability.
Despite attempts to show readiness and support, parents with cognitive disabilities face disproportionate scrutiny from child welfare agencies. Studies have shown that parents with intellectual disabilities are more likely to have contact with child welfare services, leading to higher rates of child removal.
The system’s focus on IQ scores has raised concerns about discrimination and the lack of support for parents with disabilities. Advocates and experts emphasize the importance of providing services and support to parents with disabilities, addressing their needs, and promoting family preservation instead of separation. By offering assistance early on, before resorting to removal of children, the system can better support families and reduce the number of children in foster care.
In the midst of legal battles and struggles, parents like Amethyst Gibson continue to fight for the right to be reunited with their children. Despite facing challenges and setbacks, these parents remain determined to prove their ability to provide a safe and loving environment for their families. The journey towards family reunification is often fraught with obstacles, but for many parents, the goal of being together again is worth the fight.