Mental Incompetence Survey?

Question

Do you believe that a person with Mental Retardation that has an IQ of a 7 year old, should be able to keep custody of his child? If yes, try to back up your statement and vice versa for no

This will be very helpful because Mental Incompetence is i am doing a project on. Thanks a lot!

Answer 1

If the parent has support to help raise the child than yes.  They may have the IQ of a 7 year old but they have the desires of their numerical age.  they need a lot of support and if they have someone with them at all times to help them make the decisions necessary and help give the proper care than yes they should be allowed to have children.  however, they should have a plan in effect for who will take care of the children in the absence of the one who will be supporting the child.  I am a QMRP (Qualified Mental Retardation Professional).  Most would disagree unless one has experience with this population.  Each case and person is individual and should be treated so.

Answer 2

(did you get the idea from the movie I AM SAM??)

i think it all depends on the person. if he/she can take care of him or herself AND knows well enough to keep their child's basic needs. like food, housing, hygiene, love, education. then why not?

but if that person needs a guardian for him/herself, then obviously that person would definitely not because to keep custody of a child.

Answer 3

well, a seven year old would not be mature enough or have the problem solving ability to care for a child.  How would a person with a 7 year old mental capacity handle an emergency.  I don't think they should have full cusody, but they should be allowed to have a very active roll in the child's life.

Answer 4

some are mentally incompetent, but not all.