NSW Relinquishing Parental Rights

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JayceeMe

Member
13 August 2020
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Hi there, I have not come here lightly. I have a 15 yr old son with a mild intellectual disability. I have fought for his supports and entitlements since diagnosis at 5 yrs of age. For the past 4 yrs his mental health has declined and have fought for help with this also. He is aggressive, he destroys property worth thousands, he has physically assaulted both me and his step dad, he has stolen thousands of dollars worth of property and cash from everybody in the family home. He has stolen from his support workers and guests who have stayed here. He has broken into both mine and his step father cars. We have a suspicion he broke into another property. He has given his motor bike away, his brothers ps4 ... i could go on and on and on. He is under a psychiatrist and is on meds but he is smoking marijuana. We have called the police a dozen times, he has been sectioned under the mental health act several times, we have had behavioural supports, he is under the NDIS so we've had specialised behaviour plans, he's been under the Infant. Child and Adolescent mental health team .... nothing is working, nothing changes. We get verbally abused on a daily basis. I love him and want the best for him but just found out Tuesday that he broke into his step dads car again and stole air pods. I'm done. I can't do this any more. I have his 12 yr old brother and step kids to worry about who he abuses. Everybody in our home walks on egg shells.... I need to look at everybody else and what's happening. What are the procedures for relinquishing your parental rights and what's involved? Thank you for reading
 

Atticus

Well-Known Member
6 February 2019
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Sorry you are going through such a difficult time, but I'm not sure what you believe relinquishing parental responsibility would achieve, even if you could do it ... Is the boys father in the picture? Have you looked into the various intervention/ support programs for troubled teens?
 

JayceeMe

Member
13 August 2020
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Thank you for your reply and yes multiple intervention programs through various disability institutions. He needs a group home or somewhere for high behaviour and disability needs. What would it achieve? The mental health and safety of 6 other family members, no more every day anxiety, no more catering to him to keep the peace for everyone's safety, no more police visits, no more keeping things at work because he steals everything ... a lot of things would change for the better for our family.
 

Atticus

Well-Known Member
6 February 2019
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He needs a group home or somewhere for high behaviour and disability needs.
Sounds like it I agree.... But a parent can't relinquish their parental rights (can only be removed through court order or adoption)... Are you saying you are not able to look into group home setting unless you don't have parental responsibility or they are just not available?

Ultimately, I don't think this is a legal problem & I hope someone can come along with some helpful advice
 

Hmm2000

Well-Known Member
12 July 2020
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Hello JayceeMe.

I am very sorry to hear. From what you say, it must be very difficult for you, your family and your son for your to consider taking this step.

I agree with Atticus, this may be a community support/ care issue more than a guardianship (?!) issue.

I've only done a brief stint volunteering for Lifeline, and then only as a Financial First Aider (accounting background). But I am aware there are support mechanisms, although it sounds like you have tried a whole gamut.

I'm not based in NSW, so take this with a big dose of salt. Have you accessed services listed here?:
https://www.carersnsw.org.au/Assets/Files/USEFUL LINKS 2019.pdf (sorry to the mods if I'm not suppose to post links like these here, feel free to hide/ alter my comment - I just want to let JayceeMe know we hear and want to help!!)

Also (and I'm sure you would've looked at it), has your son got a social worker/ contact? What do they say? Does his GP have any suggestions? Is a respite program/ support referral available for your son and your family?

Again, sorry to hear and hope you get the help you need!!