Parental substance misuse and compliance as factors determining child removal: A sample from the Victorian Children's Court in Australia |
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Authors: | Lillian De Bortoli Jan Coles Mairead Dolan |
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Affiliation: | 1. Centre for Forensic Behavioural Sciences, Monash University, 505 Hoddle Street, Clifton Hill 3068, Australia;2. Department of General Practice, Monash University, Building 1, 270 Ferntree Gully Road, Notting Hill 3168, Australia;3. Victorian Institute of Forensic Mental Health, 505 Hoddle Street, Clifton Hill 3068, Australia |
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Abstract: | PurposeThe current study explores the role of parental substance misuse in child protection cases and examines its impact as a factor in decisions on child removal in court orders.MethodsA cohort of 273 child protection cases from the Victorian Children's Court was reviewed. This sample consisted of cases where children have been removed (Custody to Secretary Order, n = 142 cases) or remained with parents (Supervision Order, n = 131 cases). Data was extracted on parental substance misuse in single and two parent households as well as compliance with court-based and child protection directives.Principle resultsParental substance misuse (PSM) was present in 51% of child protection cases sampled and among those, poly-substance abuse was common (67%). PSM was associated with Indigenous status; younger age of child at court appearance; having a court-proven case of emotional abuse, less compliance with child protection services and a longer time between notification to authorities and final court decision. In one parent households, only parental compliance is the primary factor underlying decisions of child removal. In two parent households, the decision to remove a child from the family home was ultimately driven by parental compliance, and to a lesser extent by PSM of illicit drugs and the number of parents misusing drugs.ConclusionPSM and non-compliance appear to be significant factors in delaying stability for the child through the granting of court orders which may involve child removal. There is a need, by child protection professionals, for prompt recognition of PSM and associated compliance/engagement issues in order to refer appropriate cases for further assessment and treatment in specialist drug treatment services. Early involvement with specialist drug treatment services provides the Court with an indication of compliance which is an important factor for making decisions that assist with achieving stability for the child. |
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Keywords: | Parental substance misuse AOD Compliance Child removal Illicit drugs |
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