Report | September 25, 2018

Caring for Young Victims of the Opioid Crisis in Wisconsin

Child care, preschool, and other programs can support young children affected by parental opioid abuse in the Badger State

Young children are often-overlooked victims of the opioid crisis that is ravaging Wisconsin and communities all across the United States.

Parental substance abuse is an Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE) that imperils children’s citizen readiness–their ability to grow up healthy, well-educated and ready for productive lives. The opioid epidemic is wreaking havoc on our communities, threatening our public safety, impacting workplaces, and tearing families apart, while costing our state seven billion dollars in treatment, health, and criminal justice costs.

I’ve seen firsthand the impact opioid abuse has on families in our communities. Prioritizing prevention services is key to steering the next generation of Wisconsinites away from addiction and towards productive lives.

Chief Sean M. Marschke, Sturtevant Police Department & President-Elect, Wisconsin Chiefs of Police Association

Fortunately, there are existing programs that can help children affected by this crisis. High-quality early care and education programs, including home visiting, child care, Head Start, and preschool, serve as powerful tools in battling the opioid crisis and mitigating its negative impact on young children.

Read More About

  1. The Opioid Crisis

States

  1. Wisconsin