Oppose bill: The parents or guardians should Not be doing drugs in the first place. This is harm to the child’s mental and physical well being. Selfishness from the parents

I am writing to support this bill as using a legal substance should not be considered abuse or neglect. Keeping this as a way to label a child abused or neglected criminalizes the substance again and vilifies families for things the state has deemed legal. Pass HB833 and help ensure families are not torn apart for unnecessary reasons in the commonwealth of Virginia

I support this bill because using a legal substance is not abuse or neglect

Legal substances should be treated as such; legal. No child should be separated from their parent because their parent did something legal.

I am writing to express my enthusiastic support for House Bill HB833, which addresses a crucial aspect of child welfare and family dynamics. The proposed legislation, which states that a child shall not be considered an abused or neglected child based solely on the possession or consumption of legally authorized substances, is a commendable step towards ensuring fair and equitable treatment in custody and visitation cases. The bill acknowledges the importance of considering the best interests of the child while recognizing the rights of parents and caregivers who may responsibly possess or consume legally authorized substances. It is essential to move away from discriminatory practices that might unfairly impact families and individuals without a valid reason. By directing the Board of Social Services to amend regulations, guidance documents, and instructional materials, HB833 is not only making a legislative statement but also taking concrete steps to ensure that investigations and family assessments are conducted in accordance with the principles outlined in the bill. This demonstrates a commitment to aligning social services practices with evolving societal norms and legal standards. This legislation strikes a delicate balance between safeguarding the welfare of children and respecting the rights of parents. It sends a clear message that the legal use of authorized substances should not automatically be grounds for denying custody or visitation rights. This approach promotes fairness, reduces stigma, and fosters a more compassionate and understanding system. I urge you to support and champion HB833 to ensure its successful passage. By doing so, you will contribute to creating a legal framework that prioritizes the well-being of children while respecting the rights of individuals within our communities. Thank you for your attention to this matter, and I trust that you will consider the positive impact this bill could have on families across our state.

I am writing to express my enthusiastic support for House Bill HB833, which addresses a crucial and often overlooked aspect of child welfare – the possession or consumption of legally authorized substances by parents or guardians. This bill takes a significant step towards ensuring that children are not unfairly deemed abused or neglected, and that custody or visitation rights are not unduly restricted based solely on the responsible party's legal use of substances. The proposed legislation rightly acknowledges that the mere possession or consumption of legally authorized substances should not be grounds for labeling a child as abused or neglected. By doing so, it recognizes the importance of distinguishing between responsible substance use and actual harm to the child. This distinction is critical in maintaining fairness and protecting the rights of parents or guardians while upholding the welfare of the child. Moreover, I appreciate the bill's directive to the Board of Social Services to amend regulations, guidance documents, and instructional materials accordingly. This proactive approach ensures that social services align with the updated legal framework and conduct investigations and family assessments in accordance with the provisions of the bill. In a society where legal substances are increasingly prevalent and accepted, it is imperative that our legal system adapts to these changes to safeguard the well-being of families. HB833 is a positive and necessary step towards achieving this balance. I urge you to lend your support to this important piece of legislation, as it not only protects the rights of parents but also ensures that children are placed in nurturing environments based on comprehensive assessments rather than arbitrary judgments. Thank you for your attention to this matter, and I hope that you will stand behind HB833 to promote fairness, equity, and the best interests of our children.

Virginia Student Power Network is in strong support of this bill that helps to keep families together by ensuring that no one can be denied custody or visitation based solely on legal and responsible use and/or possession of authorized substances. This bill positively impacts families in the Commonwealth.