Infant safety
Philadelphia’s Department of Human Services has expanded its CAPTA unit. The unit, designed to follow the Child Abuse and Prevention Treatment Act protocols, helps newborns born with drug addictions or effects.
The 10-member staff will work with hospitals to report instances of infants born addicted to or affected by illegal drugs. From there, DHS will follow up with the mother and family to evaluate the level of drug use, the condition of the home environment and the possibility of treatment.
The CAPTA unit could eventually handle cases of alcohol addiction in newborns, as well.
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