In a recent government meeting, serious concerns were raised regarding the welfare of children under the care of a parent who has faced substance abuse issues. A caseworker reported an incident where children were left in the care of an unapproved teenager, highlighting a significant lapse in supervision. The caseworker noted that during an unannounced visit, the parent was absent, and the children were left with someone whose name was unknown to them at the time.

The caseworker emphasized that it was inappropriate for the children to be left with a teenager, indicating that this was not an isolated incident but rather a concerning pattern of behavior. Although the caseworker mentioned that this specific incident occurred only once, they acknowledged that there were other instances where the parent was not present during visits.

Furthermore, the caseworker confirmed that multiple discussions had taken place with the parent regarding the rules and expectations during the reunification process, underscoring the ongoing challenges in ensuring the children's safety and well-being. The meeting underscored the critical need for vigilance and adherence to established guidelines in cases involving reunification after substance abuse issues.