Harder Introduces Bipartisan Child-Protection Bill

Washington — Rep. Josh Harder (CA-10) has introduced a bipartisan bill, HR 995, that aims to prevent child abuse by parents with addiction and substance use disorders. The bill provides federal support to states and empowers each state's child protective services (CPS) to combat child abuse and neglect by individuals with substance use disorders. The bill's language is also included in the bipartisan Stronger Child Abuse Prevention Treatment Act (CAPTA) HR 485.

"One in eight kids reported living with a parent struggling from addiction in recent years and we know that's only gotten worse since the pandemic started. This bill makes sure our CPS professionals have the resources and support to keep our kids safe," said Rep. Harder. "Whether they're going to online or in-person school, every kid deserves a safe and supportive environment at home."

"The opioid epidemic has devastated families and strained state and local resources in mounting a response," said Rep. Dan Meuser (PA-9). "It is important that we support communities as they work to keep children safe from harm and neglect due to a parent's drug abuse."

Rep. Harder's bill directs federal grants to states to intake and assess reports of child abuse and neglect resulting from substance use disorders and improve legal preparation and representation for survivors of abuse.

According to a 2017 report compiled by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, one in eight children lived with a parent with a substance use disorder. In Stanislaus County, as many as 3,400 people struggle with opioid use disorder alone and more than 1,600 children experienced physical abuse in 2015.