• Date Due: December 01, 2026
  • Author: Department of Social Services and Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, and Department of Health
  • Enabling Authority: Chapter 651 Enactment Clause 1. (Regular Session, 2026)
  • Description:
    Report on the findings and recommendations of the work group convened to evaluate the Commonwealth's response to parental prenatal and postnatal substance use, the services available to address such substance use, and the effects of such substance use on newborns and children, and shall (i) review existing statutes, regulations, agency guidance, and current practices regarding the response and provision of services to parents using substances legally and illegally and children born affected by exposure to substances, including the development and use of Plans of Safe Care under the federal Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (42 U.S.C. § 5101 et seq.), to determine whether changes in statute, regulation, or guidance are necessary to meet the needs of families, emphasize preservation of the mother-infant dyad, and ensure the safety of children; (ii) identify best practices for government agencies and service providers; (iii) identify service gaps and make recommendations for addressing them; (iv) identify data gaps and make recommendations for addressing them; (v) identify and recommend training policies and opportunities for government agencies and service providers; and (vi) identify inconsistencies in the implementation of toxicology or cord blood testing of a child or pregnant or postpartum woman and make recommendations to address inconsistent testing. [Reporting requirements of Chapter 650, Enactment Clause 1., 2026 Acts of Assembly, are identical.]