Recently a mom of one of the children in our therapy program took her son to the local health department because he was sick. She usually sees a private doctor, but wanting to get attention right away, she took him to the government facility. 

In the last year or two the government has initiated a new program to address the problems of chronic malnutrition in Guatemala. When children who are malnourished come in, they are evaluated and over time if their weight does not improve, they are taken away to facilities to increase their weight. A family member goes with the child to these malnutrition centers, often spending several months away from home.  

This mother brings her child faithfully to ASELSI each week for therapy, takes him to another program 2.5 hours from ASELSI each week for more therapy, pays for regular visits with a neurologist and more. The health department accused this mother of not taking good care of her son because his weight was in the malnourished range according to their charts. Charts designed for children without disabilities. 

This is the third time we’ve had caring, compassionate families doing all they can for their children accused of neglecting their children. They’ve all been threatened their children would be taken away if their weight didn’t improve. Although we’ve seen neglect or inability of families to care for their children too, this wasn’t the case in any of these three families. One family went into hiding because of it. We haven’t seen them since. 

This mom, courageously, stood her ground. She asked, “If I am such a poor mother why would I do all the things I am for my son (remember the list above)? And why did I bring him to the clinic today when he is sick?” The staff wasn’t convinced and is requiring she brings letters from all the organizations from which her son receives medical attention. As Shesita told me her story, I felt my anger rising. 

Many children are really suffering and need help, but these families with children with disabilities are doing all they can and are being falsely accused of not taking care of their children. From my limited perspective, it seems no one at the health department understands that children with certain disabilities will never attain the required measurements on their growth and weight charts. Not because they’re malnourished or neglected, but because they have a disability. They’re simply following a structured program without realizing the program doesn’t fit all. 

I’m angry at the injustice done to these children, and their families, with disabilities, but I’m not going to just sit in my anger. I’m going to figure out what we can do to stand up for these children and their families.  After all, that is the heart of TCI too, being a voice for people with disabilities and teachings our rehabilitation promoters to do the same. Will you stand with us as we seek His direction and favor to share our concerns as we look for opportunities to meet with those that can possibly bring about change? 

Hopefully this story is to be continued.