Pot found in newborn's urine, CPS called, what happens?
Member
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: AZ
Posts: 309
Originally Posted by Florence 
Kind of off-topic:
Eh, it's more about questioning whether the condition of pregnancy is a default to test all pregnant mothers like they're criminals. Lots of things lead to potential negative outcomes in pregnancy, including smoking, drugs, drinking, soft cheeses, shellfish, not taking your vitamins -- but arguably the worst for poor prenatal outcomes is stress and poverty, even above and beyond drug use during pregnancy. IMO, automatic criminalization of pregnancy is really bad public health policy. Criminal law tends to step in where treatment and services for addiction and drug abuse are more appropriate.
Eh, it's more about questioning whether the condition of pregnancy is a default to test all pregnant mothers like they're criminals. Lots of things lead to potential negative outcomes in pregnancy, including smoking, drugs, drinking, soft cheeses, shellfish, not taking your vitamins -- but arguably the worst for poor prenatal outcomes is stress and poverty, even above and beyond drug use during pregnancy. IMO, automatic criminalization of pregnancy is really bad public health policy. Criminal law tends to step in where treatment and services for addiction and drug abuse are more appropriate.
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 685
Low income women and minority women are more likely to be drug tested which makes the practice classist and racist.
This is a direct consequence of having government pay for healthcare: If government pays for your prenatal care, it is in their interest to make sure that your habits throughout pregnancy does not result in a child with health problems that will cause higher costs for the government.
You pay for your own health care, the government has no right to require any kind of testing.
You pay for your own health care, the government has no right to require any kind of testing.
Behold the power of NO
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: WA
Posts: 7,764
Originally Posted by 53500
I didn't even think of that. The mother is Hispanic - which in L.A. is not a minority but that's beside the point. The father is Caucasian. Not sure how the medical care was paid for. Not private insurance for sure. Maybe the ACA.
There has been quite a few newspapers articles about it, especially in NY.
Member
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Atlanta
Posts: 31,179
I can only share my ES&H. A couple who are like "my kids". He got arrested with baby in tow and a crack pipe. They tested mama who was positive for THC. They were all placed under DCS, but mama tested negative under future tests, as her babies were more important than the weed.
I know different states have different laws, but with the major news of babies falling through the cracks of DCS, the importance is put on the baby's health, as it should be IMO.
I was a nurse with neonatal bablies (prior to losing that career as an addict) and the importance is placed on the baby. My feeling is that is appropriate.
Dealing with DCS isn't fun, there are a lot of questions, but the child deserves the best they can get. Again, this said from someone who has dealt with DCS and other law officials for my niece.
Hugs and prayers,
Amy
I know different states have different laws, but with the major news of babies falling through the cracks of DCS, the importance is put on the baby's health, as it should be IMO.
I was a nurse with neonatal bablies (prior to losing that career as an addict) and the importance is placed on the baby. My feeling is that is appropriate.
Dealing with DCS isn't fun, there are a lot of questions, but the child deserves the best they can get. Again, this said from someone who has dealt with DCS and other law officials for my niece.
Hugs and prayers,
Amy
Member
Join Date: Dec 2017
Posts: 1
What county?
Originally Posted by Kboys
I am a CPS Social Worker. I know that, at least in my county, a child would not be removed from the mother's care for that reason ALONE. If it were methamphetamine or another drug, yes, but not just marijuana. If the family has had past involvement with CPS, with older children, then maybe, yes.
But if this is the first time that this family has come to the attention of CPS, then, in my county, the child would remain in the care of the mother, and a case would be opened. The mother and the father if he is involved, would be asked to follow a Case Plan, which would include random substance testing, D&A counseling, etc, and if they did not follow the case plan, there would then be reason to remove the child.
In my county, it is not routine for a newborn to be tested for substances, but is done if the doctors have had reason to suspect that the mother was using throughout her pregnancy.
But if this is the first time that this family has come to the attention of CPS, then, in my county, the child would remain in the care of the mother, and a case would be opened. The mother and the father if he is involved, would be asked to follow a Case Plan, which would include random substance testing, D&A counseling, etc, and if they did not follow the case plan, there would then be reason to remove the child.
In my county, it is not routine for a newborn to be tested for substances, but is done if the doctors have had reason to suspect that the mother was using throughout her pregnancy.
Member
Join Date: Aug 2016
Posts: 1,144
Children should not breastfeed for two weeks while pot is in the system. There usually has to be more than pot for CPS to take away the child. They may just do a home visit. It seems to depend how honest and involved the parents are.
Currently Active Users Viewing this Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
