If you are a parent who has recently separated with your partner, it is likely that the question of child custody has become very significant for you. It is common for parents to have concerns about their child’s welfare when in the custody of other caregivers, especially when they have evidence of issues with addiction and substance abuse.
If you are a parent who is concerned about the other custodian’s possible substance abuse, or if you are someone who has struggled with addiction in the past but are determined to be a good parent to your child, it is important that you learn where the law stands when it comes to addiction and child custody in the state of Oregon.
How courts react to substance abuse among parents
When it comes to substance abuse among parents, the child custody courts are primarily concerned with how this habit affects the child. The reality is that alcohol addiction and substance abuse always affect a parent’s ability to care for his or her child, no matter how good his or her intentions are. Parents with an addiction are very often loving and want to get better, but their addiction needs to be treated before they can be fully functioning parents.
Child custody courts will always assess the current risk to the child and weigh this up with the emotional harm that removing the child may cause. The courts always strive to make a ruling that is in the absolute best interests of the child in question.
If you want to know more about addiction and child custody in Oregon, an attorney can provide more information.