How can I get a Mental Health Advocate to help with a custody case?

How can I get a Mental Health Advocate to help with a custody case?I am 36 years old and have been diagnosed with a mental illness at the age of 31, 7 months after the birth of my youngest son. Since then, I have lost custody of my children, regain custody of my youngest son, and currently in the midst of a custody battle for my oldest son. I believed that I was railroaded by the courts. I am looking for an advocate because I feel that I am loosing my son to the streets of NYC. However, the courts feel I am unable to care for two children, because of my mental illness. I disagree. I believe that people live with their mental illness everyday and function well. I own and operate an accounting business, take care of my youngest son, and take care of myself just fine. Please help me or refer me to someone who can help. I need an mental health advocate to assist me with my custody case. It is an extreme emergency. My son has been suspended from school twice and just recently been in trouble for trying to fight the Dean. This aggressive behavi

Answer by Circe
I feel so badly for you. I know just how you feel. The courts are supposed to act in the best interest of the children, and sometimes I am certain they do, but the rest fall through the cracks while the courts turn their heads. No sweat off their gavels. I pray that you come out all the better for this experience, and your children. I can't advise you as to your question, but I can wish you the best of luck. God bless...

Answer by mjzolt
you must be doing something for the court to make a decisoin that you are not capable of raising your children. Whatever you "mental Illness" is, should have nothing to do with why your children have been taken. You need to point it out to the court that your children are unstable and will remain unstable unless they place both children in your home to live with you. Your son is looking for attention and hes gonna find it in the wrong place. You are their mother and you do what you need to do. Find a Psychaitrist that is willing to write letters on your behalf stating that you are well fit to take care of your children. Each child is a different soul and needs to be handled in different ways. Talk to your son and find out why he is so angry. Look him in the eyes and tell him you need him and he needs you, tell him that you will never leave his side and that you love him and he is the most important thing to you.
good LUCK!!!!!

Answer by Tat
It appears you will need an attorney and a psychiatrist to testify for you in court. The following is a link to The Mental Health Association for New York State: http://www.mhanys.org/
I am not sure, but they may be able to provide a referral to professional assistance. Phone number: (518) 434-0439

Because you are in New York City there are many community resources available to you. "New York City Voices" is a mental health advocacy group, this is the link to their website: http://www.newyorkcityvoices.org/

The following is a link from the National Mental Health Association that lists a general database of resources you may find helpful. It includes "National Mental Health Association(NMHA) web sites, NMHA Affiliates, Government Agencies, Consumer Groups, Mental Health Organizations, and Other Resources." http://www.nmha.org/jumplist/index.cfm
Their toll free number is 1-800-969-NMHA

I sincerely hope for you the very best possible outcome in being united with your children.

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