New report shows increased drug-related child abuse

According to a new report, child abuse and neglect reports have increased dramatically over the past few years in New Hampshire, due in part to the opioid addiction epidemic. 

The report was published by the Carsey School of Public Policy at the University of New Hampshire.

From 2013 to 2016 the state Division of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) accepted 21% more reports of child abuse and neglect for assessment.

30% of those reports included an allegation of substance abuse in 2016, compared to 25% in 2013.

The number of children removed from parental care also increased 71% from 2013 to 2016.

60% of removed children had substance abuse in the family in 2016.

These statistics relate to several policy debates in New Hampshire.

First, this year the Legislature passed a bill to add more child protective service workers and fund more programs for families at risk for child abuse and neglect. That bill is waiting for a signature from Gov. Sununu. 

There is also a longstanding debate about how to best fight drug addiction in the Granite State.

Visit our Heroin Addiction: Treatment Funding issue page to learn more

Do you have an opinion on child abuse and neglect as it relates to drug addiction? Share your thoughts in the comments below.