New Report on Meth and Foster Care
Generations United
A new report chronicling the harmful effect of methamphetamine (meth) on children, families and our nation's foster care system was released today at an event on Capitol Hill.
"This report describes the important role grandparents and other relatives play when they step up to care for children in crisis.
Because of meth and other problems, these grandfamilies are working side-by-side with child welfare professionals to minimize the impact on children -- they have become lifelines for so many hurt children," stated Donna Butts, Executive Director of Generations United.
Titled Meth and Child Welfare: Promising Solutions for Children, Their Parents and Grandparents, the report illustrates the destructive impact meth is having on children, the child welfare systems that protect them, and America's families.
Subsidized guardianship programs provide financial support to allow children to leave the foster care system to live with a permanent family -- often a grandparent or another relative -- that has agreed to provide a safe, loving home.
Currently, an estimated 20,000 children living with relatives in foster care could exit care if a permanency option like federally supported guardianship was available.
"In most cases of violence or abuse, a child may be removed from one parent, said Dennis Sutton, CEO of the Children's Home Society in West Virginia.
A few examples of meth's impact on children, families and the child welfare system: Some geographic areas, particularly rural areas with a shortage of service and treatment options, are seeing significant increases in placements due to meth.
Briefing co-sponsors: Generations United, House Caucus to Fight and Control Methamphetamine, National Indian Child Welfare Association Inc., Child Welfare League of America, Children's Law Center/Home at Last, North American Council on Adoptable Children.
Generations United (www.gu.org) is the only national membership organization focused solely on improving the lives of children, youth, and older people through intergenerational strategies, programs, and public policies.
