Three years after Colorado changed the law so that doctors no longer had to report newborns testing positive for drugs as possible child abuse victims, the number of families referred to child protective services is down, but hospitals are still learning how best to support mothers battling addiction.
In 2020, the legislature narrowed the definition of child abuse via drug exposure, so providers only need to report if the child suffered negative effects from drug use and their guardians might not be able to meet their basic needs.
In 2020, the legislature narrowed the definition of child abuse via drug exposure, so providers only need to report if the child suffered negative effects from drug use and their guardians might not be able to meet their basic needs.
Mental health and addiction care can be difficult to find under any circumstances, and perhaps even more so when mothers are juggling child care and may fear losing custody of their children if they admit they’re struggling.
More pregnant and postpartum women in Colorado die from suicide or overdoses than any other causes, and those deaths represent a small percentage of moms who need help, advocates say.