Our social workers are here to support women through any challenge they face during pregnancy. These challenges do not exclude substance abuse of drugs and alcohol. AFTH has a waiting list of approved adoptive parents who have gone through educational training courses about drug and alcohol exposure in utero. This is why it is critical that birth parents are upfront and honest with the agency about any drug or alcohol exposure during pregnancy. An honest disclosure from the start helps to establish a healthy and trusting relationship between all parties within the adoption triad.
If you or your baby test positive for substance abuse after the delivery, it is mandatory for the hospital staff to report this to the county or state. As a result, there may be an investigation to determine if you can take the baby home with you or if he/she will go into foster care. As an alternative, if you decide adoption might be a better option for your baby, you or the hospital staff can contact one of our counselors to meet with you.
