When the parent of a grandchild has drug or alcohol addiction issues, a grandparent is naturally concerned about the well-being of their grandchild. Every day, grandparents across the country step up to provide not only financial and emotional support, but a safe haven for their grandchildren when their parents struggle with substance abuse.
Economic and Emotional Consequences of Parent Substance Abuse
A parent’s addiction to drugs or alcohol can result in economic consequences if a parent misses work or cannot hold a job. They may not be able to provide for a child’s basic needs of food, clothing, shelter or medical care, which may require a grandparent to step in to provide what their grandchild needs.
A parent who struggles with substance abuse may also neglect a child emotionally, failing to provide needed support and love, or neglecting to provide non-essential needs such as helping a child with homework, grooming, or other routines that a child needs to thrive. Grandparents that live nearby often step in to offer love and support to meet the child’s needs.
Long Term Impact of a Parent’s Substance Abuse on a Child
The physical and emotional effects on children whose parents abuse drugs and alcohol can run deep with long term consequences. Children of substance abusers may suffer physical harm from malnutrition causing developmental delays, or threats to safety due to lack of supervision or a safe place to live.
Children of addicted parents can develop trust issues, guilt and shame, and suffer from anxiety, sometimes evolving into their own substance abuse issues as teens and adults. Certainly, a child subject to physical and emotional neglect can have trouble forming healthy relationships, interfering with their social development and thwarting academic achievement.
Grandparent Vitiation and Guardianship
Grandparents in a situation where a parent is neglecting a grandchild often end up raising their grandchild informally, while others seek legal guardianship of their grandchild temporarily or long term. The benefits of legal guardianship often outweigh informal arrangements by allowing a grandparent to make important decisions for their grandchild while securing legal physical custody.
It can be difficult to share sensitive matters concerning your family. It is crucial to have a strong advocate on your side to ensure the well-being of your grandchild when a parent’s substance abuse is an issue. Contact family law attorney Jane Probst for a confidential consultation today regarding possible guardianship of a grandchild or securing grandparent visitation.