A report by Texans Care for Children informs us that “substance use in and of itself is not child abuse or neglect. However, substance use is a risk factor for child maltreatment and child welfare involvement.” The report adds that:
“In fact, substance use is the primary reason Child Protective Services (CPS) interacts with families in Texas.” How many reports involve allegations of substance abuse? “About 43% of child abuse and neglect investigations are initiated due to concerns about a caregiver’s substance use. For two-thirds of Texas children removed from their homes and placed in foster care, a parent’s or caregiver’s substance use was a primary reason for removal.” A recent Court of Appeals decision delves into one such case.
