Among parental substance use disorders, opioid use disorders are increasingly common. Children and youth affected by familial opioid use disorders are more likely to experience child maltreatment and neglect. They are also more likely to witness familial overdoses, thus creating often-undiagnosed trauma reactions and a need for therapeutic intervention. While Federal and State responses have expanded in recent years to address the growing opioid epidemic, local child welfare agencies remain the frontline response for children and youth affected by the crisis. As a result, child welfare professionals must understand the intersecting challenges presented by the opioid epidemic and involvement with child welfare. Below, find resources about the effect of the opioid crisis on child welfare agencies, including the specific ways the epidemic affects child and family well-being, and the services and treatments proven most effective in addressing opioid use disorders.
Child Trauma and Opioid Use: Policy Implications (PDF - 451 KB)
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (2018)
Discusses how exposure to opioid use may affect children’s mental and physical health across the lifespan. This article also addresses policy implications and recommends services and resources to help children and families affected by opioid use.
Child Welfare Training Toolkit: Special Topic: Opioids
National Center on Substance Abuse and Child Welfare
Overviews signs of methamphetamine use and its effect on families. This section of the training, which follows module 7, helps participants gain an understanding of the warning signs of methamphetamine manufacturing, the referral process, and treatment options for family members.
A Collaborative Approach to the Treatment of Pregnant Women With Opioid Use Disorders
National Center on Substance Abuse and Child Welfare (2016)
Discusses the effects associated with opioid use by pregnant women, as well as the risks and benefits of medication-assisted treatment, to guide States, Tribes, and local communities toward best practice approaches.
Overview of State Legislation to Increase Access to Treatment for Opioid Overdose
National Association of State Alcohol and Drug Abuse Directors (2015)
Provides information about State-level legislation regarding the provision of opioid overdose treatment.
Resources to Support Families in Child Welfare Affected by Opioid and Other Substance Use Disorders [Video]
National Center on Substance Abuse and Child Welfare (2018)
Features a variety of technical assistance resources, including publications, webinars, and tools that communities can use to better serve families in child welfare affected by opioid and other substance use disorders.
The Ripple Effect: The Impact of the Opioid Epidemic on Children and Families
Brundage & Levine (2019)
Milbank Memorial Fund
Describes the long-term effects of opioid use on child development and family preservation services. The report also makes recommendations on how child welfare agencies and professionals can address this issue and lessen the impact of the opioid epidemic.
State and National Opioid Fact Sheets
American Academy of Pediatrics
Compiles national and State-specific information about how the opioid crisis has short- and long-term consequences for child well-being. The factsheets also offer State and Federal policy solutions.
Supporting Families Affected by Opioids
National Center on Substance Abuse and Child Welfare
Provides resources detailing best practices for linking parents and children with opioid use disorders to treatment.