Letter to the editor: Protecting special-needs adults

Special-needs adults need protection. Often a parent is vindictive through a divorce or separation, keeping a special-needs child away from the other parent once the child turns 18.

Orphans Court is an option, but it’s complex and can eliminate rights of a parent.

Special-needs adults have no voice in some cases, and yet there is no law to protect them.

Parents can simply take them away because they know they can get away with it. It needs to stop.

I have contacted local, state and federal leaders about enacting a joint resolution to Chapter 29 of Pennsylvania’s Title 18, which covers various forms of kidnapping.

Parents need to grow up. God ordained both parents to participate in their children’s lives.

Special needs or not, love your children and put them first. Stop being vindictive because your spouse left you. He or she divorced you, not the child.

Get help with your issues, and in the meantime, let the other parent see his or her child.

Lisa Illinsky

Springdale