June 7, 2018 The Impact of the Opioid Epidemic on Young Children A series of articles are highlighting the impact of the opioid epidemic on young children and families. These report on the growing number of families affected, and the work being done to combat the crisis. Additionally, parents and children share their experience living with addiction and recovery from it. “Schools that employ trauma-informed practices are giving childhood victims of the opioid epidemic a fighting chance.” (via PA Early Ed News) However, “Pennsylvania lags in developing a plan of protection for infants affected by drugs. An increasing number of adults with babies 14 days old or younger are being referred to the Allegheny County Office of Children, Youth and Families due to substance abuse concerns.” (via PublicSource) In a series called “The Fix”, PublicSource is exploring personal tales of those affected in Pittsburgh. “Jolted out of a drug haze with life-changing news: I went to sleep at 15 and woke up at 23, pregnant.” – Bree Swarmer “Teachers have dads in jail?” I spent the rest of our trip explaining that yes, lots of people have parents and family members who are incarcerated and that it wasn’t something to be ashamed of. Those were the words I had always wanted (and needed) to hear as a kid.” – Tiffini Simoneaux, Early Childhood Manager, Bureau of Neighborhood Empowerment in the Office of Mayor William Peduto
May 4, 2018 Pennsylvania Opioid Use and The Impact on Children Addiction to opioids has a great affect on the health and wellbeing of children and families. The American Academy of Pediatrics has prioritized the needs of children impacted by the opioid crisis as a key part of its advocacy efforts. As child welfare programs become involved, the Academy supports family-centered approaches like The Family Check-Up facilitated by the Homewood-Brushton Family Support Center. To learn more about the local impact the opioid epidemic is having on Pennsylvania residents, read this fact sheet.
