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Broken furniture, broken hopes: Georgia mom stuck in loop trying to get help for son with autism

As part of an 11Alive investigative series, we examine the gaps in the system created to help children with mental and developmental disabilities.

Rebecca Lindstrom, Lindsey Basye

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Published: 9:57 AM EST January 25, 2022
Updated: 9:57 AM EST January 25, 2022

In the past five years, 1,268 children in Georgia were abandoned or surrendered to the state due to a parent's inability to cope or the child's behavioral issues. More than half of those children were abandoned more than once, generally in relation to a mental or developmental disability. 

A series by 11Alive's investigative team, The Reveal, looked into the numbers, but more importantly, spoke to families who said their only option was to give up custody of their children.

"Abandon" sounds like a harsh term for a heartbreaking situation. The solutions are just as complicated as the reasons why parents make the decision. But the law is crystal clear.

One Georgia mom candidly shared her journey and explains why her son Jaylen hasn't been able to get the help he needs. 

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