While most Lucas County Children Services (LCCS) caseworkers respond to cases of child abuse and neglect, other caseworkers are using prevention strategies hoping to make families safer and stronger without the need for them to enter the child protection system.
One of those programs is focused on supporting families with newborns who have been prenatally exposed to marijuana (THC).
While marijuana use is now legal in Ohio for those age 21 and over, there are still possible health consequences for newborns when women smoke or otherwise use marijuana during pregnancy.
Additionally, federal regulations still require mandated reporters, such as health care professionals, to report known or admitted marijuana use during pregnancy to child protection agencies.
“There are still some who refuse to admit use because they fear we’d remove the child from the home, but there has been a change there,” said LCCS Prevention Worker Danette Popovich. ” People are more open about it—now that it is legal, they can share that they are using. But the more I work with people, they’re also getting more comfortable seeing us in more of a helping role, too.”
“There are some mothers and fathers who believe, because it is legal, that it is safe,” added Family and Community Engagement Supervisor Mandy Mellott. “The missing piece is educating them, that while legal, it is still a mood-altering substance that can have a negative effect on the baby as well.”
The prevention program receives 40-50 referrals per month involving infants exposed to THC in utero. The program’s aim is to educate and assist, not punish.
The primary responsibilities of LCCS Prevention Worker Danette Popovich include educating parents about the potential impacts of substance use on child development, encouraging the use of safe sleep practices, promoting family stability, and preventing future involvement with child protective services. Central to this role is the development and implementation of a Plan of Safe Care (POSC) to ensure the safety and well-being of each infant.
“While marijuana may be legal, it is still a substance that can alter your state of mind and can affect your parenting skills,” Danette noted. “We work to identify and educate them on safe protocols for the children, as well as themselves.”
“That includes safe sleep, keeping the products out of the reach of children, and identifying a sober adult who can be present in case of emergency,” added Mandy. “We’re trying to reduce their risk so that LCCS doesn’t have to be involved in a more intensive manner.”
In addition to parenting support, Danette connects families with a wide range of community resources, such as:
- Substance use and mental health treatment providers
- Parenting programs
- Job and Family Services (JFS)
- WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)
- Brothers and Sisters United
- The Toledo-Lucas County Health Department
She also introduces and refers families to Help Me Grow, a key early intervention and family support program, once her involvement in the case is complete.
Nonprofit partner Bags of Love 419 also provides a monthly supply of infant care bags LCCS can share with new moms. Those bags include baby bottles, diaper rash cream, pacifiers, and other essential baby items.
While the prevention program is short-term and intensive, the overall intent is to ensure the long-term safety and stability of each infant and family. The proper support and guidance can lead to better outcomes for each baby on their journey to a happy, healthy childhood.