Sobrietor, A Valuable Tool In Child Custody/Visitation Battles

          Judges faced with warring couples embroiled in custody battles or at odds over child visitation issues have a new tool to assist them in determining the individuals' fitness as parents.

           Probation Officers in the Probate & Family Courts may now use the Sobrietor, a devise used to monitor alcohol consumption, when a parent alleges that his or her former partner is abusing alcohol in front of the children.

           "Judges are often faced with difficult decisions on whether to approve or deny visitation or custody when a parent is alleged to have an alcohol problem," said Rick O'Neil, Regional Administrator for the Probate & Family Court in the Office of the Commissioner of Probation.

           O'Neil added, "When utilizing the Sobrietor, the court can immediately determine whether alcohol is being consumed during visits by random testing and take appropriate action when there is a positive test result. The equipment also provides the court with empirical data to assist judges in making future decisions that impact the safety and well being of children."

           Judge Stephen Steinberg, Plymouth County Associate Justice, said he has found the Sobrietor to be a useful tool in determining whether a parent has alcohol issues.

           "The Sobrietor has been very successful when there have been allegations of drinking. The argument, however, can be put to rest with the use of the Sobrietor. It provides great flexibility," said Judge Steinberg.

           Eric Gable, a Probation Officer at Plymouth County Probate & Family Court, has used the Sobrietor in child custody cases. Gable said of the apparatus, "It helps to ensure the safety and protection of children."