Image by Jake Harper at Side Effects
Drug addiction harms not just the abuser, but children as well. A recent article on NPR points to the issue of an increasing number of children being placed into foster care because of their parents’ drug abuse. Heroin and prescription drug abuse rendered the parents incapable of caring for their children.
The rising number of children in foster care comes after several years of decline. The federal government reports that about 265,000 children entered foster care just last year. The state of Indiana analyzed the amount of new foster children from September 2013 to September 2015 and found that parent substance abuse was a factor in more than half of new cases.
Though this influx of new cases is troubling, officials recognize that the children of addicts need not only foster care but special care and counseling. This is especially important for children of addicts: they will likely stay in the system longer, since their parents may take months to get clean. The need for dedicated caseworkers and specialists is all the more important so that these children can receive the care and foster families they deserve. Indiana has begun taking steps to achieve this, starting a counseling program for employees and hiring more case managers. In the end, finding quality foster parents, like the Houglands, for these children to bond with maybe the best help of all.
Acknowledging the needs of children of addicts is the first step to ensuring they get the help they deserve. More than anything else, these children need their parents. You can read the full article on this problem here. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, contact Casa Recovery today. Our team will work with you to help you recover. Our treatment programs will get you on the right track. Apply today or visit us any time in our San Juan Capistrano, CA facility!