$1 Billion Sought To Support At-Risk Families for Healthcare

On Friday, Congress said they had reached a deal to push more than $1 billion to try to keep struggling families together, including those with babies born dependent on opioids. The bill would allow mental health, substance abuse and parenting assistance whenever a child is deemed at “imminent risk” of entering foster care. Under current law, such funds may only be spent after a child enters foster care. “This bill would make a historic shift in child welfare funding by offering a way for moms and dads to get help and treatment rather than pitching in only after children are removed from home,”. The plan offers “bipartisan solutions for families and children affected by the opioid addiction crisis.