Rep. Brat Introduces Bill to Help Children of Victims of Addiction

Statement

Today, Rep. Dave Brat introduced H.R. 5889, the Recognizing Early Childhood Trauma Related to Substance Abuse Act of 2018, a bill that would require the Department of Health and Human Services to disseminate information to professionals working with young children on ways to recognize children impacted by trauma related to an adults' substance use, and how to respond in a manner that will provide the best support for the child. This information will help promote whole-family and multi-generational approaches, including trauma-informed practices to prevent or mitigate longer-term negative impacts.

"Every parent wants a better life for their children than they had themselves. This bill would help children of victims of addiction overcome their circumstance and heal intergenerational wounds.

"Half of opioid overdose deaths occur among men and women ages 25 to 44, and many of these individuals are parents. When these tragedies occur, the children need the community's help. Professionals working with children should be equipped with information to help curb the long-term impacts of substance abuse and empower multi-generational families to alleviate the suffering children experience due to trauma."

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