Rosie O'Donnell's Junkie Daughter Praised for 'Positive' Progress in Court Months After Child Neglect, Drug Arrest
Rosie O'Donnell's daughter was praised in court.
July 20 2025, Published 12:45 p.m. ET
Rosie O'Donnell's daughter, Chelsea O'Donnell, is making strides in her court-ordered treatment, more than six months after facing serious legal troubles.
She was praised in court for the progress she has made in the months since her arrest for child neglect and drug charges, RadarOnline.com can report.
Chelsea's 'Positive' Growth
Chelsea has reportedly shown some 'positive' growth.
Court documents reveal that Chelsea, 27, was commended for her "positive" growth during her latest court appearance on July 8. After serving nearly six months of probation since her sentencing in March, the young mother was met with applause for her hard work and dedication. In a significant sign of her turnaround, Chelsea has already appeared in court three times for progress updates. During one hearing, she shared details of a joyful "children get together," illustrating her commitment to reconnecting with her son, Atlas. But that's not all — Chelsea also announced plans to pursue her GED, a testament to her determination to rebuild her life. Under the court's directive, she is required to pay $230 monthly in child support for her son. That obligation will end once she completes the Drug Court program, while the father of Atlas, Jacob Nelund, contributes $324.
Chelsea's Past
Chelsea was arrested on drug charges in September, October and November 2024.
The court revealed troubling details about Chelsea's past, indicating that Atlas had been in out-of-home placement due to the concerns raised by the Marinette County Department of Health and Human Services.
The judge remarked: "Upon reunification of the child with a parent, current child support shall end for the parent with placement effective the first day of the first month following the change in placement."
As part of her recovery process, Chelsea faces strict requirements. Should she fall into unemployment or underemployment and fail to make her child support payments, she must register at a local job center and complete 10 job searches weekly, proving her dedication to turning her life around.
Legal History
Chelsea is one of Rosie's five adopted children.
It all began when Chelsea was first arrested on September 10, an incident that sent shockwaves through Rosie's family. Officers found her infant son inside a Wisconsin home filled with drugs and paraphernalia.
A disgraceful scene detailed in reports revealed drug items scattered in Chelsea's bedroom, prompting serious legal action against her. Despite her not guilty plea to the charges, trouble continued to follow. Chelsea found herself back in handcuffs on October 11 and November 18, each time facing drug-related charges. But there's a glimmer of hope — during her last arrest, she expressed a strong desire for help, sharing her intent to enter an intensive outpatient treatment facility. The judge laid down the law: probation, a GED, and a mental health examination are non-negotiable steps in her recovery journey. Beyond Atlas, Chelsea also shares three daughters with her ex-boyfriend, Jacob Bourassa: Skylar Rose, Riley, and Avery Lynn.
Family Issues
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Rosie O'Donnell spoke out about her daughter's struggles in October 2024.
Chelsea once sought to remove "O'Donnell" from her name, opting to take her birth mother's maiden name, Neuens. However, she later withdrew the request due to "family issues," ultimately signalling a desire to stay connected to her roots. Rosie openly addressed the turmoil, acknowledging the ongoing battle her daughter faces with addiction. "Sadly, this is not new for our family. Chelsea has struggled with drug addiction for a decade — we are all hopeful she will find her way out of this deadly disease."
