AB 626

Under current law, the juvenile court can order that a child is in need of

protection or services (CHIPS) or can terminate parental rights to a child (TPR) if the

court finds that grounds are met for CHIPS or TPR. This bill creates a new ground

for CHIPS and TPR where a child is found to be a drug-affected child.

Under the bill, the juvenile court may enter a CHIPS order for a child if it finds

one of the following:

1) The child suffered prenatal exposure to alcohol or a controlled substance and

the CHIPS petition was filed within 18 months of the child's birth.

2) The child's basic needs and safety have been adversely affected by a parent's

or guardian's chronic and severe use of alcohol or a controlled substance.

Under the bill, the juvenile court may order TPR for a child who is placed

outside the home pursuant to a CHIPS order finding that the child's basic needs and

safety have been adversely affected by a parent's chronic and severe use of alcohol

or a controlled substance if the court also finds that there is a substantial likelihood

that the parent will not meet the conditions for the safe return of the child to the home

as specified in the child's permanency plan and that the parent is not seeking

treatment or complying with a treatment program. Also, the juvenile court may not

order TPR if the parent is participating in a drug court program.