Georgia lawmakers hear how mental health crises can lead to foster care

The Imprint

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Some Georgia parents relinquish their children to foster care to secure critical mental health treatment.

An estimated 500 children in Georgia have been turned over to the state due to complex behavioral or psychiatric needs.

Experts cite a fragmented healthcare system, a shortage of treatment beds, and restrictive insurance as key issues.

( The Imprint here )

Georgia parents who voluntarily give up their children to foster care aren’t necessarily abusive, neglectful or unloving, numerous speakers have told state lawmakers in a series of public hearings that concluded this week. Oftentimes, they’re simply out of options for securing the critical mental health treatment their children need.

“This is an act of desperation — parents do not want t