How doe the testing work

[iceberg326]

I just found out my cousin used cocaine two weeks ago and she is being induced this coming week. Will the cocaine still be in the baby's system and if social services take it how long would it take for a famiy member to get it?

[adgal]

It completely depends on the situation.  If the baby is born addicted (which would mean regular use throughout her pregnancy), then yes, social services will take the baby.  As for how long until a family member can get custody, that depends on so many things.  They would have to apply and go through the regular checks/background checks, etc. that anybody applying for foster care goes through.  Social Services usually prefers a child to go to a family member, so they typically will look to the family first. At least this is the case here, but I am in Canada, and not sure what the US laws are like.  I would think probably quite similar. This is such a sad situation.  I hope that baby is not born addicted, and that your cousin gets the help she needs.

[tschock]

Any effects should have worn off...IF she only used the once. If she's an addict the poor baby will suffer regardless. Cocaine stays in your hair and eyes forever. My ex did that stuff when he was in his twenties and the "flakes" are still in his eyes according to the optometrist. If it was a one time thing social services won't be called...unless it was her doctor that found out in the first place and only if he/she is concerned that there is an addiction. They don't normally check for that stuff. I think it leaves the system within a few days (other than the hair and eyes). If they test and it's in the hair/eyes, they will know it is "old" cocaine,and she may be visited by social services just to make sure that she isn't still using.
As for the family,it's hard to say. Some places just stick the baby in foster care,and some will let a family member take it. Usually it is the father,or maternal grandparents that get first choice...as long as they are clean with no criminal records.
Again, this depends on the country, state/province, etc.
I know a girl that did heroin,and her parents were able to take the babies as they were released from the hospital. Every child she had was addicted to the junk and had to stay in hospital for quite awhile. Those poor babies didn't cry...they screamed like some wild creature. It was awful.
The girl has changed her life now,and she has two of her children back. The others had been adopted out.
I wish you and your cousin the best,and pray that she doesn't continue with that stuff.