The opioid epidemic continues to cast a long shadow, with tragic consequences for families. A record number of overdose deaths in 2023 coincided with a surge in parental substance use as a leading reason for removing newborns and young children from their homes (National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2023). This overburdened child welfare system struggles to find enough foster families, particularly for infants exposed to substances in utero (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2023).

This crisis has prompted a shift in child welfare policy. Many states are prioritizing family preservation by focusing on the well-being of both parents and children. Additionally, collaboration between child welfare, health, and early childhood systems is crucial for a holistic approach.

However, Freedom House founder, Ann Reilly, has been working for over 20 years to address these issues. 

Supporting Mothers Through Recovery: Legislative Efforts

Several states have implemented policies to provide comprehensive support for mothers in recovery:

• Louisiana: Senator Beth Mizell (R) championed legislation (SB 268, 2022) requiring certain treatment facilities to offer pregnant women access to FDA-approved opioid agonist treatment (NCSL Town Hall, 2022). This acknowledges the importance of treating both the mother’s addiction and the infant’s potential for withdrawal symptoms.
• Maine: Representative Laura Supica (D) co-sponsored legislation addressing the challenge of finding housing and other resources for recovering parents (NCSL Town Hall, 2023). Lack of stable housing can jeopardize their progress.

These initiatives highlight the growing recognition that mothers in recovery need support beyond addiction treatment alone. That is why Freedom House began an Aftercare Program for the mothers who successfully graduated from the program. Our graduates finish the long-term residential program having achieved stronger bonds with their children, improved life skills, and personal independence, with a strong support system for continued recovery. 

Our Aftercare program provides help with employment, transportation, housing, accountability, security, and stability for recovery, along with a supportive and loving Christian community.

Family-Based Treatment: Keeping Families Together

Family-based residential treatment centers offer a promising solution:

• While at Freedom House, mothers can remain with their children while receiving treatment. This helps maintain parent-child bonds, which is crucial for healthy development.
• Research shows increased success rates when mothers enter treatment programs with their children. They are more likely to complete the program and retain custody (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2023).

Eight states, including Kentucky, Nebraska, and Wisconsin, have launched initiatives to support family-based treatment (NCSL Town Hall, 2023). Maine, for example, allocated funds for recovery residencies that allow parents to work towards reunification with their children (H 163, 2023).

The Family First Prevention Services Act of 2018 further empowers states by allowing them to use federal funds to place children with parents in licensed family-based treatment facilities (National Conference of State Legislatures, 2023).

Although Freedom House does not receive any government funding, they remain free to residents. Freedom House has three thrift stores where the residents participate in employment training. The thrift stores fund nearly seventy-five percent of the program costs. 

Addressing the Child Care Challenge

Lack of childcare is a significant barrier for mothers seeking treatment:

• Difficulty securing childcare is a stronger predictor of neglect reports than the severity of the addiction itself (Child Trends, 2018). Mothers with limited options face an uphill battle.

To address this issue:

• Freedom House never wants childcare to be a barrier for mothers seeking treatment, therefore, Freedom House partners with other local agencies to help with this need. 
• The Child Abuse and Prevention Treatment Act mandates states to have plans of safe care for substance-exposed infants and their families (National Conference of State Legislatures, 2023). This may include subsidized childcare.
• The Administration for Children and Families encourages states to use Child Care and Development Fund dollars for substance use treatment as an eligible activity (National Conference of State Legislatures, 2023). This helps low-income parents afford childcare while in treatment.

Colorado’s pilot program exemplifies such efforts (HB 1193, 2019). They offer mobile childcare classrooms outside treatment facilities, eliminating a major barrier for mothers seeking help.

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The opioid epidemic presents a complex challenge for families. However, Freedom House has been dedicated for the past 18 years to helping mothers find recovery. By prioritizing family preservation, providing comprehensive support for mothers in recovery, and addressing the challenges of childcare, Freedom House has been able to strengthen families and ensure the safety of vulnerable children.