Children’s Bureau and CDC Award JBA a Second Contract on Prenatal Alcohol and Other Drug Exposures

Each year, an estimated 15 percent of infants are affected by prenatal exposure to alcohol or other drugs, which can cause a range of physical and developmental challenges. About two-thirds of families involved in the child welfare system struggle with substance use, putting them at increased risk. Agencies and caregivers need resources, information, and interventions.

The Children’s Bureau and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have awarded a 5-year contract to JBA and subcontractor ICF to conduct additional research in this area, expanding on their work since 2016 on the Prenatal Alcohol and Other Drug Exposures in Child Welfare project.

The new project will identify validated resources and develop and test new resources to improve the practices of parents, resource parents, child welfare agencies, and allied health and service providers regarding the identification, care, and treatment of children affected by prenatal substance exposure. The team will collaborate with tribal child welfare systems, parent and caregiver organizations, and national experts. The project will culminate in policy and dissemination recommendations.