Coming to terms with addiction through rehabilitation is an important step along the path to healthy living for many people. Unfortunately for parents who struggle with addiction, that step may come with additional hardship if a court revokes custody upon the parent entering a rehab facility.
Depending on other factors, it may prove very difficult for a parent to regain custody after completing his or her stay. However, with the right help, it is usually possible.
In very broad strokes, the legal system usually prefers for children to be with their parents, even if a parent does make a mistake, such as behavior that might call for rehabilitation. If a parent loses custody of a child, he or she may potentially regain custody upon meeting a number of requirements.
These requirements vary from case to case, depending on the nature of the parent’s offense or the reasons for terminating custody rights. In all cases, however, courts and child protection agencies want to see documented proof of a parent working through recovery and avoiding substance use.
A parent who actively seeks to meet whatever requirements a court or agency sets stands a decent chance of seeing his or her custody reinstated. If you face the difficult task of reclaiming child custody after rehabilitation, keep in mind that you do not have to go through this process alone, and shouldn’t.
In addition to the family and community support you have available, you can consult with an attorney to ensure that you understand your legal rights and how to protect them. The courts do prefer for parents to remain in custody of their children, but each case is different. You may want personal guidance to keep your family protected while you take steps toward becoming a healthier version of yourself.
Source: Residential Drug Rehab HELP, “Can I Regain Child Custody after Rehab?,” accessed Feb. 23, 2018