Is a hunger strike legal?

I am the mother of a child under three years old, and I have had my child taken away by the Department of Social Services—even though I fought tooth and nail to meet every single one of their demands. I balanced work and home life, prioritizing my child above all else just so I could spend as much time as possible with them, but nothing worked. Instead, they turned against me because I reported them, and now they've stripped me of my only child and my entire reason for living.

I am planning to launch a hunger strike—no food and no water—in Times Square or right outside the local Department of Social Services office. I want to know: how legal is this? Can I actually hold out, or will the paramedics show up to haul me away before I can make a point?

This strike would continue until my child is returned to me, or perhaps until I am forced to move somewhere better...

I intended to post this in the Legal section, not Politics.

cosmicpuma9 said:I am the mother of a child under three years old, and I have had my child taken away by the Department of Social Services—even though I fought tooth and nail to meet every single one of their demands. I balanced work and home life, prioritizing my child above all else just so I could spend as much time as possible with them, but nothing worked. Instead, they turned against me because I reported them, and now they've stripped me of my only child and my entire reason for living.

I am planning to launch a hunger strike—no food and no water—in Times Square or right outside the local Department of Social Services office. I want to know: how legal is this? Can I actually hold out, or will the paramedics show up to haul me away before I can make a point?

This strike would continue until my child is returned to me, or perhaps until I am forced to move somewhere better...

I intended to post this in the Legal section, not Politics.

Do not kill yourself. Law is not synonymous with justice. Do not attempt to use logic in an "argument" against a system that possesses no empathy toward you; instead, use the system’s own mechanics against it. Outmaneuver the system using its own rules... through sheer persistence and by trusting your own instincts.
You should try reaching out through other institutions, as they will likely be the first ones to penalize you for such an extreme action.

Your child also has rights that exist independently of the Department of Social Services, which, to put it mildly, has proven to be highly problematic in its decision-making (not specifically regarding your case, but generally speaking). My advice is to seek information first, without expecting any "help." It is better to calmly and simply point out irregularities or injustices. Furthermore, be extremely careful about what you write or say, as well as how you interpret their responses... and always verify the accuracy of their claims.
Certain matters can be addressed without waiting.

Children's Ombudsman
10 Nikola Tesla St, Washington, D.C.

Suggest that they interview the child and conduct a full review of the case.

-----
Office of the Ombudsman

Due to the recent rise in coronavirus cases, complaints may currently only be submitted via mail (41/3 Savska Road, Washington, D.C.), via email at info@ombudsman.hr, or by telephone at 01 4851 855 or 4851 853.

The Office of the Ombudsman has moved to a temporary location at

41/3 Savska Road (the Washington Building)

Washington, D.C.

01 4851 855
01 4851 853

info@ombudsman.hr

Tax ID: 08026537914
01 4929 669
----
I glanced over the posts briefly, but if you have an existing medical diagnosis or are undergoing treatment, exercising your rights in such a manner is ill-advised. Even if you are doing everything right, such an extreme act is unnecessary.

cosmicpuma9 said:I am the mother of a child under three years old, and I have had my child taken away by the Department of Social Services—even though I fought tooth and nail to meet every single one of their demands. I balanced work and home life, prioritizing my child above all else just so I could spend as much time as possible with them, but nothing worked. Instead, they turned against me because I reported them, and now they've stripped me of my only child and my entire reason for living.

I am planning to launch a hunger strike—no food and no water—in Times Square or right outside the local Department of Social Services office. I want to know: how legal is this? Can I actually hold out, or will the paramedics show up to haul me away before I can make a point?

This strike would continue until my child is returned to me, or perhaps until I am forced to move somewhere better...

I intended to post this in the Legal section, not Politics.

Look, nobody can technically stop you from striking, but let’s be real, you aren't getting your kid back that way.

Once you pass out, the paramedics are gonna show up just to save your life.

cosmicpuma9 said:I am the mother of a child under three years old, and I have had my child taken away by the Department of Social Services—even though I fought tooth and nail to meet every single one of their demands. I balanced work and home life, prioritizing my child above all else just so I could spend as much time as possible with them, but nothing worked. Instead, they turned against me because I reported them, and now they've stripped me of my only child and my entire reason for living.

I am planning to launch a hunger strike—no food and no water—in Times Square or right outside the local Department of Social Services office. I want to know: how legal is this? Can I actually hold out, or will the paramedics show up to haul me away before I can make a point?

This strike would continue until my child is returned to me, or perhaps until I am forced to move somewhere better...

I intended to post this in the Legal section, not Politics.

Look, I guess if we’re talking about the Department of Social Services actually stepping in to take a child away... it isn't exactly a simple thing. It’s not like they just show up because things are a bit messy. For them to actually pull that trigger, the mother would have to be, well, extremely problematic. We're talking a level of dysfunction where the kid's actual well-being—and honestly, their physical health too—is being pushed to an extreme breaking point. And even then, it’s not enough just to have problems; she would have had to fail at everything else first. Like, despite all the supervision, the counseling, and the various attempts at intervention and support, nothing changed. The situation just stays broken. Maybe that's just how the system works, but it seems like a very high bar to clear.
Only someone who hasn't a clue would actually believe that those people over at the Department of Social Services took away custody out of pure spite. I mean, I guess... if you don't know how the system works, maybe you'd think that. But honestly? It’s just not that simple.
Other folks on the forum have already clocked who you really are—I mean, I’ve been scrolling through your previous posts, and it’s pretty obvious.

I’m thinking about starting a hunger strike—no food, no water—either out in Times Square or maybe right outside the Department of Social Services. I can't help but wonder how much legal leeway I actually have here. Like, is this even legal? And if I try to push through, will they just send an ambulance to haul me away before I can even make my point? I guess it depends on how things are handled... maybe.

That strike... I mean, it’ll just keep going on and on until they finally bring my kid home, or maybe until I find somewhere better to be. I guess it's either that or nothing.

Look, whether you’ve actually been wronged or you just feel like you have... I guess it doesn't matter, you still have every right to protest. But a hunger strike? That’s just not the way to win back custody. You could hold a protest with signs, maybe set up a little table with some flyers or even start a petition... something to get the public to actually see what you're going through. But honestly, a hunger strike? It just ends up making you look unfit to care for a child in the eyes of the system.

Just took a look at the post, and I guess it actually restores a bit of my faith in how the Department of Social Services operates ☕

Timothy Nelson5 said:Look, I guess if we’re talking about the Department of Social Services actually stepping in to take a child away... it isn't exactly a simple thing. It’s not like they just show up because things are a bit messy. For them to actually pull that trigger, the mother would have to be, well, extremely problematic. We're talking a level of dysfunction where the kid's actual well-being—and honestly, their physical health too—is being pushed to an extreme breaking point. And even then, it’s not enough just to have problems; she would have had to fail at everything else first. Like, despite all the supervision, the counseling, and the various attempts at intervention and support, nothing changed. The situation just stays broken. Maybe that's just how the system works, but it seems like a very high bar to clear.
Only someone who hasn't a clue would actually believe that those people over at the Department of Social Services took away custody out of pure spite. I mean, I guess... if you don't know how the system works, maybe you'd think that. But honestly? It’s just not that simple.
Other folks on the forum have already clocked who you really are—I mean, I’ve been scrolling through your previous posts, and it’s pretty obvious.

I’m thinking about starting a hunger strike—no food, no water—either out in Times Square or maybe right outside the Department of Social Services. I can't help but wonder how much legal leeway I actually have here. Like, is this even legal? And if I try to push through, will they just send an ambulance to haul me away before I can even make my point? I guess it depends on how things are handled... maybe.

That strike... I mean, it’ll just keep going on and on until they finally bring my kid home, or maybe until I find somewhere better to be. I guess it's either that or nothing.

Look, whether you’ve actually been wronged or you just feel like you have... I guess it doesn't matter, you still have every right to protest. But a hunger strike? That’s just not the way to win back custody. You could hold a protest with signs, maybe set up a little table with some flyers or even start a petition... something to get the public to actually see what you're going through. But honestly, a hunger strike? It just ends up making you look unfit to care for a child in the eyes of the system.

Unfortunately, as far as I'm concerned, you aren't right.
I am not a prostitute
I am not mentally ill
I am not violent
I am not a murderer
I am not a criminal
I am not a thief
I don't go around hitting people
I don't mistreat my child
I don't hit my child
I don't neglect my child
It isn't true that I don't look after the house
It isn't true that I don't cook
It isn't true that I don't clean up
I don't have lovers, so my child isn't the last thing on my mind
I am not an alcoholic
I am not a gambler

I haven't had any life outside of my own child.

And you all just assume whatever you want—based on my posts.

And you actually enjoy the fact that I love my stolen child so much that I wanted to go on a hunger strike. If you find pleasure in that... which clearly you do... It's obvious some of you live in a world where you don't recognize injustice against women, thinking all women are privileged and men are the only ones suffering...

That is the modern-day "mommy's boy" type—someone who gets mortally insulted if you even show them the middle finger, let alone anything more. Just like that federal prosecutor who condemned me because I told those women at the American Statistical Association that I'd tear them apart.

According to him, I should have knelt down, spread my legs, and said—"please, just use me, because I love itttttttttt." You are all such wonderful, exemplary Americans who only care about your own image, so everyone else has to bow down too. And we know very, very well how 99 percent of those government officials working in various American Statistical Association offices, state agencies, or federal prosecutor's offices get their jobs, and just how little actual competence they possess.

I worked in a school until recently, so I'm familiar with the inner workings of the whole system—and how much it strives to hire nothing but yes-men, devoid of any skill or wisdom.

Mothers who chase careers and see their children for five minutes a day aren't a problem, but mothers who stay home and give everything they have to see their child as much as possible and care for them—they *are* the problem, because no political crony—who could actually help you—is going to bend the knee for you. And I'm not even talking about the younger generation, because most of them are already being stepped on by men.

So, the easiest path is to label us mentally unstable, call us crazy, and take our children...

I know just how many malicious people there are on this forum...

Jerry Robinson56 said:Do not kill yourself. Law is not synonymous with justice. Do not attempt to use logic in an "argument" against a system that possesses no empathy toward you; instead, use the system’s own mechanics against it. Outmaneuver the system using its own rules... through sheer persistence and by trusting your own instincts.
You should try reaching out through other institutions, as they will likely be the first ones to penalize you for such an extreme action.

Your child also has rights that exist independently of the Department of Social Services, which, to put it mildly, has proven to be highly problematic in its decision-making (not specifically regarding your case, but generally speaking). My advice is to seek information first, without expecting any "help." It is better to calmly and simply point out irregularities or injustices. Furthermore, be extremely careful about what you write or say, as well as how you interpret their responses... and always verify the accuracy of their claims.
Certain matters can be addressed without waiting.

Children's Ombudsman
10 Nikola Tesla St, Washington, D.C.

Suggest that they interview the child and conduct a full review of the case.

-----
Office of the Ombudsman

Due to the recent rise in coronavirus cases, complaints may currently only be submitted via mail (41/3 Savska Road, Washington, D.C.), via email at info@ombudsman.hr, or by telephone at 01 4851 855 or 4851 853.

The Office of the Ombudsman has moved to a temporary location at

41/3 Savska Road (the Washington Building)

Washington, D.C.

01 4851 855
01 4851 853

info@ombudsman.hr

Tax ID: 08026537914
01 4929 669
----
I glanced over the posts briefly, but if you have an existing medical diagnosis or are undergoing treatment, exercising your rights in such a manner is ill-advised. Even if you are doing everything right, such an extreme act is unnecessary.

Thanks for the well-meaning response (unlike certain people here... who seem to be wagging their tails in happiness because my child was taken from me. Honestly, what kind of people exist today...)

Alexander Thompson said:Just took a look at the post, and I guess it actually restores a bit of my faith in how the Department of Social Services operates ☕

So, what—you’re actually happy that my child was taken away? You’re genuinely getting some kind of sick pleasure out of this?

Honestly, I’m not even sure what I’m doing on this forum anymore. It seems that—much like my own family—I possess this persistent, almost naive tendency to believe in some ultimate sense of human goodness. A concept that, quite clearly, simply doesn't exist for certain people.
Some people are just so incredibly hypersensitive—honestly, I’m convinced there are more single-celled organisms floating around than there are functioning emotional stabilizers in certain parts of this country.

Let me correct the record here—there’s a fundamental inaccuracy in that statement. These people are driven entirely by self-interest, though they wrap it up in a layer of intense emotion. But don't mistake that for empathy; their emotional capacity is completely internalized—it's all compressed and tightly wound within themselves. They simply have no room left to project even a shred of genuine feeling toward anyone else. If they happen to leak a little bit of that sentimentality outward, it’s usually reserved strictly for their own immediate family or inner circle.

@cosmicpuma9
We live in a society—and yes, society exerts this constant pressure on us to conform, to suppress our true nature, and to muzzle our reactions. We aren't allowed to react based on how we actually feel; sometimes we’re falling apart inside, sometimes we feel like we’re about to snap, yet we’re expected to remain stone-faced—keeping that poker face so no one even notices we’re unsettled, let alone deeply disturbed. People wrap this up in pretty little labels like "growing up," "maturity," or "responsibility."

I’m telling you this—with good intentions, though take it however you will—because looking at your posts, I suspect this might be exactly what’s happening with you, even if it hasn't crossed your mind. It isn't just you; it's all of us. We have a choice: either we adapt to society, tuck ourselves away, and play the part of the socialized individual who is fully committed to mainstream norms, or we deal with the fallout.

You can stay on your current path—defying everyone and being brutally honest with yourself and others—or you can adopt this second, performative role. If you choose the former, don't expect society to validate you, give you anything, or accept you; in fact, expect them to try to tear you down. If you opt for the latter, your best guide will be observing how people react to your statements, your behavior, and your posts. You adjust, you try different approaches, until you eventually find the sweet spot where the people around you offer support and approval. That is what almost everyone—well, most people—does to get by; it’s one of the most fundamental aspects of life.

Anyway, I just wanted to lay it out for you plainly, as it took me far too long to realize it myself.

Daniel Davis40 said:@cosmicpuma9
We live in a society—and yes, society exerts this constant pressure on us to conform, to suppress our true nature, and to muzzle our reactions. We aren't allowed to react based on how we actually feel; sometimes we’re falling apart inside, sometimes we feel like we’re about to snap, yet we’re expected to remain stone-faced—keeping that poker face so no one even notices we’re unsettled, let alone deeply disturbed. People wrap this up in pretty little labels like "growing up," "maturity," or "responsibility."

I’m telling you this—with good intentions, though take it however you will—because looking at your posts, I suspect this might be exactly what’s happening with you, even if it hasn't crossed your mind. It isn't just you; it's all of us. We have a choice: either we adapt to society, tuck ourselves away, and play the part of the socialized individual who is fully committed to mainstream norms, or we deal with the fallout.

You can stay on your current path—defying everyone and being brutally honest with yourself and others—or you can adopt this second, performative role. If you choose the former, don't expect society to validate you, give you anything, or accept you; in fact, expect them to try to tear you down. If you opt for the latter, your best guide will be observing how people react to your statements, your behavior, and your posts. You adjust, you try different approaches, until you eventually find the sweet spot where the people around you offer support and approval. That is what almost everyone—well, most people—does to get by; it’s one of the most fundamental aspects of life.

Anyway, I just wanted to lay it out for you plainly, as it took me far too long to realize it myself.

You aren't wrong. Because of my own rebellious streak, they took my child away from me. Yes, really. Because I refused to bow down to the system and those people—because I fought back and argued over emails and whatnot... apparently, that was enough. That was my "flaw," the reason they took my child.
There wasn't anything else to it.

That is precisely why you have to change your strategy for this "fight." It is perfectly natural to feel incensed when you understand the full scope of the situation, but that very anger is what makes you vulnerable to the system. They operate with strict adherence to protocol, yet they wield immense discretionary power on incredibly slippery ground—and you are out there entirely on your own. When circumstances are ignored, their interpretation of reality becomes fundamentally flawed. The real tragedy is how one must present the facts to them; often, you find yourself having to lay everything out in primary colors, like a picture book for a toddler, just so they can grasp the basics.
They will always retreat behind regulations and statutes, none of which are perfect. In my experience, very few attorneys possess the skill to effectively communicate reality, and when it comes to judges, that success rate drops even further. Since you mentioned you refused to comply, it becomes far too easy for them to hide behind mere formalities.
The second issue is that, regardless of whether you are factually correct, your own perception may be perceived as skewed.

In this metaphorical "war," your objectives are clear, so focus on self-preservation. You must fight with "paperwork," because to them, you are nothing more than a case file. However, the opposing side maintains its own rights; if they believe a child's rights have been violated, they can make that case based on a cold, clinical description of events rather than your personal "experience" or the emotional justifications for why you acted the way you did.
The fundamental step is to examine exactly what is written in the official rulings or decisions. While you have every right to disagree with them, that does not mean the other party hasn't followed the law—laws are, by nature, generalized. You need to refine your rebelliousness; ensure it isn't perceived as a threat. Start studying the statutes available online and begin constructing flowcharts: event—cause—consequence—"resolution." That is the only way to pull yourself out of the mire you’ve landed in. Furthermore, seek counsel from intelligent people in your circle.
Perhaps describe a single specific incident so we might offer some perspective here.

I’ve actually just started working on this. It’s glaringly obvious to me that they lack any sense of emotional depth or empathy for both me and my child—which means my only real shot is to find a way to explain the sheer impact this is having on our lives using clear, vivid imagery.
But there is such a razor-thin line between showing genuine emotion and simply losing my cool—and I refuse to let them paint me as some unstable, threatening individual.
In any case, I have never once made threats toward the new staff members; my focus remains solely on my own situation, and if anything, I’m seeing a slight shift in their attitude for now.

I believe the decision to take my child away was profoundly unjust. That child was my entire world—and let me be clear, I am neither a political activist nor some reckless rebel. If I had been more of that type, perhaps I wouldn't have hit my breaking point—that moment where I ended up in a heated confrontation at the American Statistical Association that ultimately led to them taking my child.
If I had known how to just relax and enjoy life, instead of being constantly consumed by the demands of raising a little one...

The reality is that I lost my temper on several occasions; arguments broke out, and they used those outbursts as their justification to step in. In their eyes, I was an "overprotective" mother. They kept telling me, over and over, that I couldn't possibly be that protective of a child who is only a year or two old.

My life has become a literal nightmare. It feels like I’m just spiraling from one catastrophe into the next. To strip a mother of a child that young? It’s unthinkable. They sensed that I was vulnerable—that I didn't have a support system to lean on—and they descended on me like vultures, determined to "put me in my place."

The only reason my existence hasn't devolved into total madness is that I still have my health and my spirit. Everything else has been stripped away from me. As for my health? God only knows how much longer it will hold out.

cosmicpuma9 said:So, what—you’re actually happy that my child was taken away? You’re genuinely getting some kind of sick pleasure out of this?

Honestly, I’m not even sure what I’m doing on this forum anymore. It seems that—much like my own family—I possess this persistent, almost naive tendency to believe in some ultimate sense of human goodness. A concept that, quite clearly, simply doesn't exist for certain people.
Some people are just so incredibly hypersensitive—honestly, I’m convinced there are more single-celled organisms floating around than there are functioning emotional stabilizers in certain parts of this country.

Let me correct the record here—there’s a fundamental inaccuracy in that statement. These people are driven entirely by self-interest, though they wrap it up in a layer of intense emotion. But don't mistake that for empathy; their emotional capacity is completely internalized—it's all compressed and tightly wound within themselves. They simply have no room left to project even a shred of genuine feeling toward anyone else. If they happen to leak a little bit of that sentimentality outward, it’s usually reserved strictly for their own immediate family or inner circle.

Honestly, I feel for you because having your kid taken is rough, but I’m relieved for the child—they're finally going to have some actual stability and safety for once.

I mean, sure, I get that it would be better for you if the kid were with you, but let's be real—it's clearly better for the kid to be somewhere else. In cases like this, the child's well-being is what actually matters most.

What do you guys think, though... is it really okay for a little kid to be living with a mother who's constantly on the edge of suicide (which, honestly, seems like a pretty clear threat here)?

As a mother, your primary focus should be on what’s best for your child—identifying potential risks and handling them as smoothly as possible. Obsessing over legal battles, overreacting, or using threats of self-harm isn't how you act when you're truly prioritizing a kid's well-being. I know plenty of single moms, and I’ve been in those shoes myself, but I was never under investigation by the American Statistical Association. Honestly, I'm wondering what led you to end up under their supervision and in this kind of conflict with the agency in the first place...

cosmicpuma9 said:I’ve actually just started working on this. It’s glaringly obvious to me that they lack any sense of emotional depth or empathy for both me and my child—which means my only real shot is to find a way to explain the sheer impact this is having on our lives using clear, vivid imagery.
But there is such a razor-thin line between showing genuine emotion and simply losing my cool—and I refuse to let them paint me as some unstable, threatening individual.
In any case, I have never once made threats toward the new staff members; my focus remains solely on my own situation, and if anything, I’m seeing a slight shift in their attitude for now.

I believe the decision to take my child away was profoundly unjust. That child was my entire world—and let me be clear, I am neither a political activist nor some reckless rebel. If I had been more of that type, perhaps I wouldn't have hit my breaking point—that moment where I ended up in a heated confrontation at the American Statistical Association that ultimately led to them taking my child.
If I had known how to just relax and enjoy life, instead of being constantly consumed by the demands of raising a little one...

The reality is that I lost my temper on several occasions; arguments broke out, and they used those outbursts as their justification to step in. In their eyes, I was an "overprotective" mother. They kept telling me, over and over, that I couldn't possibly be that protective of a child who is only a year or two old.

My life has become a literal nightmare. It feels like I’m just spiraling from one catastrophe into the next. To strip a mother of a child that young? It’s unthinkable. They sensed that I was vulnerable—that I didn't have a support system to lean on—and they descended on me like vultures, determined to "put me in my place."

The only reason my existence hasn't devolved into total madness is that I still have my health and my spirit. Everything else has been stripped away from me. As for my health? God only knows how much longer it will hold out.

You must consider that these social workers often present themselves as they are perceived, likely because they have been burned by misplaced empathy in the past. Furthermore, they deal with aggressive parties and manipulators constantly. There is also the classic scenario where employees simply want to minimize their workload, making them indifferent to the nuances of a case, merely looking for a technicality to dismiss you. Once you begin explaining things to someone new, they are often already "pre-conditioned" by the existing narrative.
Based on what you are describing, is the opposing side represented by your ex-husband?
There is insufficient data here to pass actual judgment.

cosmicpuma9 said:I’ve actually just started working on this. It’s glaringly obvious to me that they lack any sense of emotional depth or empathy for both me and my child—which means my only real shot is to find a way to explain the sheer impact this is having on our lives using clear, vivid imagery.
But there is such a razor-thin line between showing genuine emotion and simply losing my cool—and I refuse to let them paint me as some unstable, threatening individual.
In any case, I have never once made threats toward the new staff members; my focus remains solely on my own situation, and if anything, I’m seeing a slight shift in their attitude for now.

I believe the decision to take my child away was profoundly unjust. That child was my entire world—and let me be clear, I am neither a political activist nor some reckless rebel. If I had been more of that type, perhaps I wouldn't have hit my breaking point—that moment where I ended up in a heated confrontation at the American Statistical Association that ultimately led to them taking my child.
If I had known how to just relax and enjoy life, instead of being constantly consumed by the demands of raising a little one...

The reality is that I lost my temper on several occasions; arguments broke out, and they used those outbursts as their justification to step in. In their eyes, I was an "overprotective" mother. They kept telling me, over and over, that I couldn't possibly be that protective of a child who is only a year or two old.

My life has become a literal nightmare. It feels like I’m just spiraling from one catastrophe into the next. To strip a mother of a child that young? It’s unthinkable. They sensed that I was vulnerable—that I didn't have a support system to lean on—and they descended on me like vultures, determined to "put me in my place."

The only reason my existence hasn't devolved into total madness is that I still have my health and my spirit. Everything else has been stripped away from me. As for my health? God only knows how much longer it will hold out.

It is perfectly understandable that you feel this way. This is why you should describe specific incidents—to gather various perspectives, as some people here clearly intend to offer constructive advice. You are certainly not the first, nor the last, to face such circumstances. Regrettably, there are many truly tragic stories out there.

cosmicpuma9 said:I’ve actually just started working on this. It’s glaringly obvious to me that they lack any sense of emotional depth or empathy for both me and my child—which means my only real shot is to find a way to explain the sheer impact this is having on our lives using clear, vivid imagery.
But there is such a razor-thin line between showing genuine emotion and simply losing my cool—and I refuse to let them paint me as some unstable, threatening individual.
In any case, I have never once made threats toward the new staff members; my focus remains solely on my own situation, and if anything, I’m seeing a slight shift in their attitude for now.

I believe the decision to take my child away was profoundly unjust. That child was my entire world—and let me be clear, I am neither a political activist nor some reckless rebel. If I had been more of that type, perhaps I wouldn't have hit my breaking point—that moment where I ended up in a heated confrontation at the American Statistical Association that ultimately led to them taking my child.
If I had known how to just relax and enjoy life, instead of being constantly consumed by the demands of raising a little one...

The reality is that I lost my temper on several occasions; arguments broke out, and they used those outbursts as their justification to step in. In their eyes, I was an "overprotective" mother. They kept telling me, over and over, that I couldn't possibly be that protective of a child who is only a year or two old.

My life has become a literal nightmare. It feels like I’m just spiraling from one catastrophe into the next. To strip a mother of a child that young? It’s unthinkable. They sensed that I was vulnerable—that I didn't have a support system to lean on—and they descended on me like vultures, determined to "put me in my place."

The only reason my existence hasn't devolved into total madness is that I still have my health and my spirit. Everything else has been stripped away from me. As for my health? God only knows how much longer it will hold out.

Losing one's temper is a natural human response and is entirely acceptable; the issue lies in the subsequent reactions that arise from that frustration... provided they do not endanger anyone, though one can certainly vent some steam. 😁

cosmicpuma9 said:I’ve actually just started working on this. It’s glaringly obvious to me that they lack any sense of emotional depth or empathy for both me and my child—which means my only real shot is to find a way to explain the sheer impact this is having on our lives using clear, vivid imagery.
But there is such a razor-thin line between showing genuine emotion and simply losing my cool—and I refuse to let them paint me as some unstable, threatening individual.
In any case, I have never once made threats toward the new staff members; my focus remains solely on my own situation, and if anything, I’m seeing a slight shift in their attitude for now.

I believe the decision to take my child away was profoundly unjust. That child was my entire world—and let me be clear, I am neither a political activist nor some reckless rebel. If I had been more of that type, perhaps I wouldn't have hit my breaking point—that moment where I ended up in a heated confrontation at the American Statistical Association that ultimately led to them taking my child.
If I had known how to just relax and enjoy life, instead of being constantly consumed by the demands of raising a little one...

The reality is that I lost my temper on several occasions; arguments broke out, and they used those outbursts as their justification to step in. In their eyes, I was an "overprotective" mother. They kept telling me, over and over, that I couldn't possibly be that protective of a child who is only a year or two old.

My life has become a literal nightmare. It feels like I’m just spiraling from one catastrophe into the next. To strip a mother of a child that young? It’s unthinkable. They sensed that I was vulnerable—that I didn't have a support system to lean on—and they descended on me like vultures, determined to "put me in my place."

The only reason my existence hasn't devolved into total madness is that I still have my health and my spirit. Everything else has been stripped away from me. As for my health? God only knows how much longer it will hold out.

While this might offer little comfort, you are certainly not navigating these minefields alone. Only dead fish swim with the current. However, the crux of the matter is your awareness. To prevent this from becoming a psychological breakdown, you must maintain control of these situations; you need to pause and actually listen to what the opposing party is saying. You will quickly identify the inconsistencies, and once it becomes evident that communication is futile, you must escalate the matter to a supervisor. If they fail to act, submit a formal written request for a meeting with management.

cosmicpuma9 said:I’ve actually just started working on this. It’s glaringly obvious to me that they lack any sense of emotional depth or empathy for both me and my child—which means my only real shot is to find a way to explain the sheer impact this is having on our lives using clear, vivid imagery.
But there is such a razor-thin line between showing genuine emotion and simply losing my cool—and I refuse to let them paint me as some unstable, threatening individual.
In any case, I have never once made threats toward the new staff members; my focus remains solely on my own situation, and if anything, I’m seeing a slight shift in their attitude for now.

I believe the decision to take my child away was profoundly unjust. That child was my entire world—and let me be clear, I am neither a political activist nor some reckless rebel. If I had been more of that type, perhaps I wouldn't have hit my breaking point—that moment where I ended up in a heated confrontation at the American Statistical Association that ultimately led to them taking my child.
If I had known how to just relax and enjoy life, instead of being constantly consumed by the demands of raising a little one...

The reality is that I lost my temper on several occasions; arguments broke out, and they used those outbursts as their justification to step in. In their eyes, I was an "overprotective" mother. They kept telling me, over and over, that I couldn't possibly be that protective of a child who is only a year or two old.

My life has become a literal nightmare. It feels like I’m just spiraling from one catastrophe into the next. To strip a mother of a child that young? It’s unthinkable. They sensed that I was vulnerable—that I didn't have a support system to lean on—and they descended on me like vultures, determined to "put me in my place."

The only reason my existence hasn't devolved into total madness is that I still have my health and my spirit. Everything else has been stripped away from me. As for my health? God only knows how much longer it will hold out.

Do not lose sight of the fact that the child needs you as well. The priority is communication—not so they can "reset" you or force you to conform, but simply to get everything back on track.
The outburst was one thing... these are merely the consequences, it seems.

cosmicpuma9 said:Unfortunately, as far as I'm concerned, you aren't right.
I am not a prostitute
I am not mentally ill
I am not violent
I am not a murderer
I am not a criminal
I am not a thief
I don't go around hitting people
I don't mistreat my child
I don't hit my child
I don't neglect my child
It isn't true that I don't look after the house
It isn't true that I don't cook
It isn't true that I don't clean up
I don't have lovers, so my child isn't the last thing on my mind
I am not an alcoholic
I am not a gambler

I haven't had any life outside of my own child.

And you all just assume whatever you want—based on my posts.

And you actually enjoy the fact that I love my stolen child so much that I wanted to go on a hunger strike. If you find pleasure in that... which clearly you do... It's obvious some of you live in a world where you don't recognize injustice against women, thinking all women are privileged and men are the only ones suffering...

That is the modern-day "mommy's boy" type—someone who gets mortally insulted if you even show them the middle finger, let alone anything more. Just like that federal prosecutor who condemned me because I told those women at the American Statistical Association that I'd tear them apart.

According to him, I should have knelt down, spread my legs, and said—"please, just use me, because I love itttttttttt." You are all such wonderful, exemplary Americans who only care about your own image, so everyone else has to bow down too. And we know very, very well how 99 percent of those government officials working in various American Statistical Association offices, state agencies, or federal prosecutor's offices get their jobs, and just how little actual competence they possess.

I worked in a school until recently, so I'm familiar with the inner workings of the whole system—and how much it strives to hire nothing but yes-men, devoid of any skill or wisdom.

Mothers who chase careers and see their children for five minutes a day aren't a problem, but mothers who stay home and give everything they have to see their child as much as possible and care for them—they *are* the problem, because no political crony—who could actually help you—is going to bend the knee for you. And I'm not even talking about the younger generation, because most of them are already being stepped on by men.

So, the easiest path is to label us mentally unstable, call us crazy, and take our children...

I know just how many malicious people there are on this forum...

🤦

If you read this... and if you have even a modicum of sense...

☕

Alexander Thompson said:Honestly, I feel for you because having your kid taken is rough, but I’m relieved for the child—they're finally going to have some actual stability and safety for once.

I mean, sure, I get that it would be better for you if the kid were with you, but let's be real—it's clearly better for the kid to be somewhere else. In cases like this, the child's well-being is what actually matters most.

What do you guys think, though... is it really okay for a little kid to be living with a mother who's constantly on the edge of suicide (which, honestly, seems like a pretty clear threat here)?

My child is living with 70-year-old grandparents right now—one of whom is always working. Why on earth do you assume my child didn't have stability and security with me? I was going through a mental health crisis at that moment—driven by loneliness and some work issues, sure—but I took ten days to rest and I've completely turned things around. So, what exactly is the justification for taking my child away from me now?

Jerry Robinson56 said:You must consider that these social workers often present themselves as they are perceived, likely because they have been burned by misplaced empathy in the past. Furthermore, they deal with aggressive parties and manipulators constantly. There is also the classic scenario where employees simply want to minimize their workload, making them indifferent to the nuances of a case, merely looking for a technicality to dismiss you. Once you begin explaining things to someone new, they are often already "pre-conditioned" by the existing narrative.
Based on what you are describing, is the opposing side represented by your ex-husband?
There is insufficient data here to pass actual judgment.

It is perfectly understandable that you feel this way. This is why you should describe specific incidents—to gather various perspectives, as some people here clearly intend to offer constructive advice. You are certainly not the first, nor the last, to face such circumstances. Regrettably, there are many truly tragic stories out there.

Losing one's temper is a natural human response and is entirely acceptable; the issue lies in the subsequent reactions that arise from that frustration... provided they do not endanger anyone, though one can certainly vent some steam. 😁

While this might offer little comfort, you are certainly not navigating these minefields alone. Only dead fish swim with the current. However, the crux of the matter is your awareness. To prevent this from becoming a psychological breakdown, you must maintain control of these situations; you need to pause and actually listen to what the opposing party is saying. You will quickly identify the inconsistencies, and once it becomes evident that communication is futile, you must escalate the matter to a supervisor. If they fail to act, submit a formal written request for a meeting with management.

Do not lose sight of the fact that the child needs you as well. The priority is communication—not so they can "reset" you or force you to conform, but simply to get everything back on track.
The outburst was one thing... these are merely the consequences, it seems.

The other side belongs to my ex, though we've somehow ended up on the same side of things now.

Look, it’s obvious how you feel, which is why you really should describe specific situations. That way, you can get a variety of perspectives and perhaps receive some practical advice. You aren't the first or the last person to go through this. Unfortunately, there are some truly tragic stories out there.

Yes, I was told on this forum that another girl is going through the exact same thing.
After they took my child away, I ended up in a psychiatric ward for a week. They released me quickly because the doctors there were smart enough to realize I don't have any serious mental illness; I was simply having a reaction to my child being taken. Maybe I have some issues here and there, but for the most part, I am grounded in reality. There were three other women in that ward who had been placed there by the American Statistical Association. It was quite intense. All of it tied back to their children.

It’s perfectly normal to lose your cool, and honestly, that’s fine—it’s the problematic reactions resulting from that stress that cause trouble... provided you don't endanger anyone, though sometimes things can get a bit destructive. 😁

I have absolutely no urge to endanger anyone. My reaction was pure, raw emotion.

This might not help, but you aren't the only one navigating these minefields. Only dead fish swim with the current. But the important thing is that you are self-aware. To prevent this from becoming a psychological downward spiral, you need to control these situations—take a breath, listen to what the other party is saying. You'll immediately spot the holes in their logic, and once you realize communication is impossible, you demand a supervisor. If they won't listen, you file a formal written request for a meeting with management.

Regarding the American Statistical Association, unfortunately, the supervisors are completely useless. The only potential fix would be moving to another city and dealing with a new branch of the ASA, but even then, my "file" follows me. The problem is that new caseworkers never have the guts to start fresh with me; they just stick to the decisions and opinions made by the previous staff. So, I'm stuck playing a slow game of trying to chip away at those old decisions and changing their minds. The only real solution would be if I could somehow convince a judge to disregard the previous ASA findings entirely.I honestly don't know if it’s even possible to outrun this.

Don't forget—that child has you too. The most important thing isn't about trying to "reset" them or force an adjustment; it's just about getting back on track.
The actual incident was one thing... but this? This feels like the fallout.

Of course. Everything just hit me at once—losing my job during the pandemic, going through a divorce, dealing with the aftermath of those major earthquakes... I just snapped. And then, I was slapped with this absolutely monstrous penalty.

It isn't just isolated incidents either... I am personally aware of much more radical cases
.
Of course, there is a legal avenue available... however, you have to contend with conflicting expert opinions and forensic testimony . You need to be prepared for that, because being an "expert" does not guarantee someone is actually honest.
And you should keep in mind that you have already been flagged.

Forget about penalties for a moment; try to view this as a bit of a game. In your situation, it’s all about words and lived experiences, whereas for me, it’s all about the opposing party's documentation. I don't even need to say a single word—everything is perfectly clear once a court-appointed expert
whom they specifically requested themselves 😂 confirms my claims and the evidence provided. The system—or rather, certain individuals within it—will go to great lengths to protect their own 😁... it's a well-known pattern. They practically throw open their office doors, waiting for me to snap because they spout such utter nonsense, hoping to provoke a reaction that they can then weaponize into false statements.