Parental Substance Use as Child Maltreatment - Michigan

Substance-Exposed Newborns
Citation: Comp. Laws § 722.623a

A person who is required to report suspected child abuse or neglect and who knows, or from the child's symptoms has reasonable cause to suspect, that a newborn infant has any amount of alcohol, a controlled substance, or a metabolite of a controlled substance in their body shall report to the department in the same manner as required of other reports.

A report is not required under this section if the person knows that the alcohol, controlled substance, metabolite, or the child's symptoms are the result of medical treatment administered to the newborn infant or the infant's mother.

Children Exposed to Parental Substance Use
Citation: Prot. Serv. Man. PSM 716-7

A complaint involving only substance use is insufficient for investigation or confirmation of child abuse or neglect. Parents may use legally or illegally obtained substances and prescribed medications to varying degrees and remain able to safely care for their children. Substance use by a parent or caregiver may be a risk factor for child maltreatment. For cases involving known substance use, case managers must evaluate its impact on child safety. Substance 
abuse is a mental health disorder. Case managers should assist the parent or caregiver in accessing relevant supports and services.