Aislinn and Melissa
Content Warning: These stories are about violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation and may include references to suicide or self-harming behaviours. They may contain graphic descriptions and strong language and may be distressing. Some narratives may be about First Nations people who have passed away. If you need support, please see Contact & support.
‘People with disabilities are just as able to look after their children as people that have no disability.’
Melissa’s daughter Aislinn has a learning disability and epilepsy.
Aislinn and her partner, who Melissa describes as having a minor disability, have two school-aged daughters. They are ‘great parents’ and have ‘lots of family support’.
Not long ago one of the children had a ‘slight facial injury’ and the department of child protection removed both girls from Aislinn and her partner.
Melissa told the Royal Commission that the department ‘offered no support whatsoever’. She thinks the department believes ‘people with disabilities should not be raising children’.
Melissa has spoken to a number of government departments and organisations but can’t get any help to overturn the decision.
‘[A youth mental health organisation] is the only one trying to help us at the moment,’ Melissa said. But it is difficult because the department ‘will not allow them any support in the courtroom … to help with the case’.
Instead of judging them, Melissa wants the department to give them a chance.
‘I think there should be more support for people with disabilities and young families to be able to raise their children competently. We are all human and we all need support in these situations.’
Disclaimer: This is the story of a person who shared their personal experience with the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability through a submission or private session. The names in this story are pseudonyms. The person who shared this experience was not a witness and their account is not evidence. They did not take an oath or affirmation before providing the story. Nothing in this story constitutes a finding of the Royal Commission. Any views expressed are those of the person who shared their experience, not of the Royal Commission.