On Monday the Times will launch a campaign on Family Justice at http://www.timesonline.co.uk/familyjustice

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Hi there. I’ve decided to set up a blog to try and help parents suffering from Bipolar. I’m a Mom with Bipolar Affective Disorder, and have recently been in a High Court battle for care of my children. The case revolved around my Bipolar and my ability to look my her children due to the nature of my condition. This is arguably a case of Mental Health Discrimination or, at least, prejudice against Bipolar and Mental Health in general.

The Judge ruled that the Father should have the majority of the care, based on the fact that the Mother has Bipolar which will interfere with her ability to care for the children. There are many, many reasons why I do not consider that the case was fair, objective, or properly heard.

I am looking for support from others who have Bipolar, or from Mental Health professionals, Lawyers or Campaigners who may wish to become involved. I also wish to provide support for those of us who are trying our hardest to care for our children, notwithstanding our own struggles with our illness.

I aim to highlight the inadequacies in the current law as to how Courts should assess whether or not a person with Bipolar can parent their children. I also aim to highlight other issues of Mental Health discrimination.

The Children’s Act stipulates that confidentiality regarding the names of all parties concerned must be upheld, so there are no details in this blog of names or other details in the hope that the children’s identity remians confidential.