A child protection proceeding under Part III of the Child and Family Services Act involving a child born with neonatal abstinence syndrome due to in-utero drug exposure.
The child was apprehended at birth and remained in Society care.
The mother sought return of the child subject to supervision, while the biological father (identified through DNA testing) supported the mother's position.
The Society sought Crown wardship for purposes of adoption.
The court found the child in need of protection due to risk of emotional harm from parental conflict, unresolved maternal trauma and anger management issues, ongoing health concerns, and past substance abuse.
The court ordered Crown wardship without access, finding this was in the child's best interests despite the mother's improvements and demonstrated parenting capacity during supervised access.
