You may or may not lose legal custody of your children if you enter a drug or alcohol rehab program. If your parental substance use is a danger to your child’s safety, you may lose custody of your children while you attend a rehab program.
If you lose custody of your children when you enter a rehab center, you may regain custody after completing treatment. Child Protection Services (CPS) may support parents entering rehab, because drug rehab can improve family relationships in the long term.
In 2020, drug or alcohol abuse was a factor in about 40 percent of all children entering foster care. Abusing alcohol or drugs can hurt your relationship with your children and put them in danger. Some addiction treatment centers can offer family services for patients with children.
Child Custody Status During Drug Rehab
Entering inpatient rehab alone may not cause you to lose custody of your children. The child welfare system may be more concerned with your children’s well-being, which you can still contribute to while in rehab.
Authorities and courts may consider the best interest of the child when making custody decisions. The following factors can affect a custody decisions:
- your ability to provide your child’s basic needs (food, clothing, shelter)
- your state laws concerning child custody cases
- how much addiction treatment services can improve your parenting ability
You can also enter a substance abuse treatment program before the authorities are contacted.
If you do, your alcohol or drug use may not yet be an immediate danger to your child. Being proactive can show that you are committed to improving yourself and taking care of your children properly.
Legal Custody Of Your Children During & After Rehab
If you have custody of your children when you enter rehab, your children can stay with a trusted family member or caregiver. You can also inform your caregiver about your child’s needs and have a conversation with your child about your alcohol or drug addiction, if appropriate.
If you lose custody of your children when you enter rehab, completing your alcohol or drug treatment program can improve your chances of regaining custody.
Regaining custody of your child after your drug or alcohol addiction treatment program can include passing drug tests, agreeing to evaluations, and complying with requests from the family court system or CPS. These organizations may need evidence that you are fit to take care of your children properly.
Effects Of Parental Substance Abuse On Children
Parental substance abuse can affect parents, children, and family relationships. Younger children affected by alcohol or drug abuse may have problems with their development, while older children may have a higher risk of substance misuse problems during their lives.
While substance abuse can harm parents, children, and entire families, these relationships can be repaired with time, and professional help. If you a loved one needs help with a drug or alcohol problem, contact Northeast Addictions Recovery Center today.
We offer evidence-based treatment options for drug and alcohol use, including medication-assisted treatment, behavioral health services, and family therapy. Our outpatient services can help parents improve their own health and restore relationships with their families.
Keep Reading:
- 3 Ways Addiction Can Affect Family and Friends
- The Link Between Codependency & Addiction
- Family Support Groups
Sources:
- National Center on Substance Abuse and Child Welfare – Child Welfare and Substance Use Disorder Treatment Statistics
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration – Children Living with Parents Who Have a Substance Use Disorder