Amber Portwood says she will ‘never stop fighting’ for her children as she responds to losing custody of her son James: ‘A person should have the chance to redeem themselves’
Amber Portwood vowed to ‘never stop fighting’ for her children after losing custody of her four-year-old son James.
The Teen Mom OG star, 32, responded to a court ruling granting her ex Andrew Glennon sole legal and physical custody of their child in a statement provided to Us Weekly.
‘I’ve worked so hard to better myself and improve my relationships with my children,’ she told the publication in a statement. ‘While I’ve always been candid about my past substance abuse and struggles with mental illness, a person should have the chance to redeem themselves and not be tethered to their problems from the past.’
‘A person should have the chance to redeem themselves’: Amber Portwood vowed to ‘never stop fighting’ for her children after losing custody of her four-year-old son James; pictured 2017
‘I’ve spent years rebuilding bridges and did everything that was required of me, including submitting 21 negative drug tests and undergoing multiple psychological evaluations, if your road has not been perfect, but you’ve worked hard to become a better, more stable and caring person today, keep moving forward as I will. I’ll never stop fighting for my children who I love more than anything,’ she added.
The statement comes after an Indianapolis judge granted Glennon sole legal and primary physical custody of their child, according to a report by The Sun on Wednesday.
In addition, the judge approved 38-year-old Glennon’s request to move with James from Amber’s home state of Indiana to his family home in California.
Per the outlet, the judge ordered Glennon to ‘seek out and consider the mother’s opinion before making any major decisions relating to the child’s medical treatment, education and religion.’
The latest: An Indianapolis judge granted Glennon sole legal and primary physical custody of their child, according to a report by The Sun on Wednesday
Sole custody: In addition, the judge approved 38-year-old Glennon’s request to move with James from Amber’s home state of Indiana to his family home in California
Portwood and Glennon were both ordered to undergo monthly drug screenings for the next six months with the television personality also ordered to ‘participate in individual counseling with the counselor of her selection and follow any recommendations made by the counselor.’
However, the judge approved a new custody arrangement that will allow Portwood to have overnight visits with James for the first time since 2019.
The new arrangement will be rolled out in incremental phases and will begin with three days a month of visitation for Amber alternating between California and Indiana.
Order: Per the outlet, the judge ordered Glennon to ‘seek out and consider the mother’s opinion before making any major decisions relating to the child’s medical treatment, education and religion.’
The former couple’s custody battle began in July 2019 when Portwood was arrested and charged with two counts of domestic battery and one count of criminal recklessness with a deadly weapon after she was accused of assaulting Glennon while he was holding James.
In October 2019, Portwood pled guilty to two felony charges of domestic battery and intimidation. She was sentenced to 906 days of probation and ordered to take 26 weeks of parenting classes.
The 16 and Pregnant alum and Glennon began dating in 2017 and welcomed James in May 2018.
Teen mom: Amber is also mother to 13-year-old daughter Leah Leann, whom she shares with her ex Gary Shirley, 35
Amber is also mother to 13-year-old daughter Leah Leann, whom she shares with her ex Gary Shirley, 35.
Portwood has a long history of legal troubles which include felony convictions for inflicting domestic battery on Shirley and drug possession.
After news of the custody ruling broke on Wednesday, the Marriage Boot Camp star took to Instagram Live to share her thoughts.
According to Page Six, Amber, who has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder, slammed the court’s decision and said that her mental illness was ‘used against’ her.
She vowed to stay ‘positive’ and ‘fight this’ while telling her fans that she was working to improve herself and should not be punished for ‘past’ mistakes.
