For purposes of this article, a positive toxicology screen at the time of the delivery of an infant is not in and of itself a sufficient basis for reporting child abuse or neglect. However, any indication of maternal substance abuse shall lead to an assessment of the needs of the mother and child pursuant to § 123605 of the Health and Safety Code. If other factors are present that indicate risk to a child, then a report shall be made. However, a report based on risk to a child which relates solely to the inability of the parent to provide the child with regular care due to the parent’s substance abuse shall be made only to a county welfare or probation department, and not to a law enforcement agency.

(Amended by Stats. 2000, Ch. 916, Sec. 11. Effective January 1, 2001.)

Terms Used In California Penal Code 11165.13

  • child: means a person under the age of 18 years. See California Penal Code 11165
  • county: includes "city and county". See California Penal Code 7
  • neglect: means the negligent treatment or the maltreatment of a child by a person responsible for the child's welfare under circumstances indicating harm or threatened harm to the child's health or welfare. See California Penal Code 11165.2
  • Probation: A sentencing alternative to imprisonment in which the court releases convicted defendants under supervision as long as certain conditions are observed.