What are the Parenting Options when your child is born substance exposed?
When you give birth to a substance exposed newborn, it is important for you and your child’s father to consider the parenting options that are available for your child. Since the hospital is mandated to file a 51A report of abuse/neglect with the Department of Children and Families (DCF) when you and/or your baby tests positive for substances, you essentially have two options: (i) You can work with DCF toward parenting your child (or a family member parenting your child), or (ii) you can make an adoption plan for your child through a private agency. There is no “right” or “wrong” decision; there is only the decision that you think is best for your child given where you are in your life right now.
Working with DCF toward Parenting
When the hospital files their 51A report, DCF will investigate the situation by talking to you, the hospital and others involved in the child’s life. In most cases of substance exposed newborns, DCF takes emergency custody of the baby to keep the baby safe until the investigation is completed and a determination is made about whether you can safely care for your baby.
If the baby is ready to be discharged from the hospital before a determination is made about whether you can safely care for the baby, the baby will typically be discharged to a foster home. If DCF determines that you are not able to safely care for your child, DCF will put together a Service Plan for you and the child’s father that will detail the steps you each need to take to get your baby back. The Service Plan might include attending a detox or rehabilitation program, regular drug screening, meetings with a DCF social worker, parenting classes, therapy etc.
A decision to work with DCF toward parenting involves a commitment on your part to establish and maintain sobriety so that you can provide a permanent, loving and capable home for your baby, now and for many years to come. DCF can help you to think about how to do this and can refer you to supportive services.
Making an Adoption Plan
A decision to have someone else parent your child through an open adoption is another way to provide a permanent, loving and capable home for your baby immediately while reserving for yourself the right to stay in touch with your child. Bright Futures provides education, unbiased counseling and time for you to think about whether adoption is right for you and your baby.
If you decide to make an adoption plan, you have the opportunity to choose the adoptive parents, to meet and establish a relationship with them, and to create a plan for ongoing contact that will allow you to remain involved in your child’s life through pictures, updates, phone calls/texts, emails, gifts and visits.
In voluntary adoption planning, your baby does not need to go to foster care and you have control over what happens to your child.
