My children were adopted by my brother and ex sister-in-law when I was just six months sober. I was in recovery, fighting hard to change my life for the better, and though I needed help, I never abused or neglected my children. This is not just my story; it is the story of many recovering parents who are unfairly caught in a system that overlooks the progress and potential for change of individuals striving to become better parents and members of society.

Child Protection Services (CPS) makes life-altering decisions on adoption processes that sometimes disregard the unique circumstances of recovering addicts. It's time to re-evaluate how the CPS determines the suitability of parents who have turned their lives around, ensuring decisions are made in the best interest of children without unfair prejudice against recovering individuals.

Statistics show that a significant percentage of recovering addicts are able to maintain sobriety long-term with appropriate support systems. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, recovery is possible and many individuals do successfully regain stability in their personal and family lives. It is essential that CPS adopt policies that reflect these realities and provide pathways for parents to reunite with their children, rather than fast-track adoption processes unnecessarily.

We propose a reformation of CPS policies to include more comprehensive evaluations, with an emphasis on the current status and rehabilitation progress of parents. Moreover, CPS should incorporate consultations with addiction specialists and consider input from addiction recovery programs when making decisions.

Allow parents who are actively participating in their recovery a chance to prove their ability to care for their children before moving to finalize adoption procedures. Families should stay together unless there is clear, evidence-based reason to separate them.

Please sign this petition to demand fairer practices in CPS adoption proceedings and support policies that acknowledge redemption and recovery. Our children and our families deserve a chance to heal and thrive together.