According to the National Center on Substance Abuse and Child-welfare, an estimated 15 percent of infants are affected by prenatal alcohol or illicit drug exposure.
The Department of Children's Services has seen an increase in drug exposed referrals in Rutherford County and has seen the need for resources to assist families affected by substance abuse.
"We received over 90 drug related referrals from the Department of Children Services in August 2019," said Child Advocacy Center's Drug Endangered Children Services Coordinator, Tara Davis.
The Department is currently piloting a program called Single Team Single Plan which is voluntary but the goal is to connect the families with the resources they need in order to be successful and live a happier and healthier life.
This program provides the family with a point of contact who can assist with housing, families first, Tenn-Care, and other services that are needed to promote sobriety and a higher quality of life
The Department of Children's Services in Rutherford County also partners with the Child Advocacy Center's Drug Endangered Children Services Program to aid in providing resources to families in our community.
The goal of the department is to help families live a substance free lifestyle by providing the family with resources and a support system to maintain sobriety.
"Addiction is a family disease…"
"One person may use, while the whole family suffers."
If you suspect child abuse please make a report to the Child Abuse Hotline 1-877-237-0004.