In many instances, parents suffering from mental health issues may not seek help due to the fear of losing custody of their children. In some states, a parent may lose custody of their child, if they are suffering from mental illness.
According to studies, 70 to 80 percent of parents suffering with mental illness lose custody of their children. If the parent becomes hospitalized in a psychiatric center then the children are often raised by grandparents or other relatives. Those without extended family are placed in foster care.