addiction and family law: maximizing parenting … · jennifer keilin, msw, licsw. mother arrested...

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ADDICTION AND FAMILY LAW: MAXIMIZING PARENTING ACCESS WHILE PROTECTING CHILDREN FROM HARM

October 1, 2019NAADAC 2019 Annual ConferenceJennifer Keilin, MSW, LICSW

Mother arrested for DUI andacknowledged drinking alcohol ontop of opiates prescribed forchronic pain condition. Child notpresent.

Father alleged Mother oftenimpaired due to alcohol and pillswhile caring for their child, age 6.

Scenario A

After two weeks of no contact, courtgranted mother limited time of twohours/day, twice per week,professionally supervised, pendinga parenting evaluation.

Parenting evaluation completed inAugust. Trial scheduled forNovember.

Mother drove intoxicated with thechildren, ages 11 and 14. Relativesintervened and mother admitteddrinking.

This occurred 15 months aftermother completed 2nd inpatienttreatment, and was her nth relapsein 9 years.

Scenario B

Court limited mother’s time to twovisits/week, up to six hours, withprofessional supervision.Supervised visits began after 30 dayswithout contact, in MayParenting Plan Evaluator appointed inAugust. Evaluation issued thefollowing February. Trial scheduledfor April.Scenario B

Father found severely intoxicatedwhile caring for 4 y.o.Mother alleged recent episodes offather verbally harassing her whileintoxicated.Mother reported father had a historyof 2 DUI’s and prior treatment foroxycontin. Parents were alreadyseparated at time of court hearing.

Scenario C

Court suspended Father’s time on7/6. On 8/8 Court authorized sixhours supervised contact/week.

Parental Access Evaluation issued thefollowing March. Trial scheduled forMay.

Scenario C

Dysfunctional Caregiving Environment

Impact of Addiction on Parenting

Increased Risk For A Variety Of Adverse Outcomes

Impact of Addiction on Parenting

Substance Abuse Is Not The Only Determining Factor In

Parental Behavior

Impact of Addiction on Parenting

Weakened Attachment

Impact of Limited Time on Relationship with Child

Loss of Benefits of Relationship

Impact of Limited Time on Relationship with Child

Decreased Stability

Impact of Limited Time on Relationship with Child

Quality vs Quantity

Impact of Limited Time on Relationship with Child

Substance Testing Breath UrineHair/NailPeth

Protective Measures

Ignition Interlock Device

Protective Measures

Visit SupervisorLay or Professional

Protective Measures

Parenting Coordinator

Protective Measures

Additional Court Oversight

Protective Measures

Potential Strategies To Maximize Parenting Time And Ensure Child Safety

Scenario A Discussion

Potential Strategies To Maximize Parenting Time And Ensure Child Safety

Scenario B Discussion

Potential Strategies To Maximize Parenting Time And Ensure Child Safety

Scenario C Discussion

Jennifer Keilin, MSW, LICSW1715 114th Avenue SE, #210

Bellevue, WA 98004jkeilin@comcast.net

(425) 526-6556

Thank You!