JACKSON, MS (Mississippi News Now) -
A Jackson mother is fighting to regain custody of her five children.
She says it all started when she defended herself when her 11-year-old son choked her.
In this 3 On Your Side exclusive, Chartel Jackson, 32, says the last three years have been a nightmare that only got worse recently.
Chartel Jackson wipes away tears, devastated that her 8 year old son has tried to commit suicide.
"You know he just told me, he was like, he looked at me and he was like Mama I've been through a lot," Jackson said. "And I said, 'He's 8?' And he's 8 and I said mama is so sorry."
Jackson's son has been hospitalized and she says he is suffering along with her other four children because they are not together as a family.
"When I do get a chance to visit my kids and they tell me different things that they're going through its hard because I'm their mother," Jackson said.
It all started in 2009 when Jackson lost custody of her 5 children.
She says her 11 year old son attacked and choked her.
Jackson said she has always had problems with her child who is now 13.
He is bi-polar and has ADHD.
She showed us stacks of documents from counselors and schools.
"I want him to know that I love him to death, I'm not trying to put him out there, to make him seem like he was the bad person, or he's the reason any of this happened, because he's not", Jackson said.
Looking back Jackson says she wishes she had reacted differently.
"I didn't, no I didn't beat him.," Jackson said. "You know, but he jumped on me, what was I supposed to be doing."
Jackson does not know who, but she was reported to the Department of Human Services.
She says without any notice all five of her children were picked up at their schools and shortly after she was arrested.
All of her children now live in separate homes.
"I got arrested during my daughter's birthday party at DHS," Jackson said. "Never been to jail before but I stayed 11 nights and 12 days. Why? I don't know."
Jackson says she has completed everything DHS asked her too.
She now believes her appearance and a 2006 complaint that was resolved with DHS are keeping her away from her children.
"I even went to the point of trying to cover my tattoos, my piercings, wear my hair a certain way," Jackson said. "But this is me. My piercings, my tattoos and how I wear my hair does not reflect on how I raise my kids."
WLBT received a statement from DHS that says in part, by law they are unable to address the specific concerns in this case, but they will be in contact with the parties involved to ensure proper procedures have been followed.
The statement goes on to say DHS implements plans to address concerns and facilitate, when possible a return of a child to his or her home environment.
The process of reunification; however, often requires intensive, family centered services to support a safe and stable family.
Even once a parent has taken the steps recommended by the court or the agency awaiting the final steps of reunification can be stressful.
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