Logo for: Substance Exposed Pregnancy Initiative of Connecticut

For Professionals

Those struggling with substance use during pregnancy need compassionate care and nonjudgmental support from their providers. You can make a difference for these families and help ensure better medical outcomes for their babies by staying informed on relevant legislation, reporting requirements, and the resources available in Connecticut.

The Evolving Legislation

Take a look at how the state and federal legislative landscape has changed over the last half-century.

  • 1974
    The Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) is enacted, providing federal funding for the prevention, assessment, investigation, prosecution, and treatment of child abuse and neglect.
  • 2003
    CAPTA is amended by the Keeping Children and Families Safe Act. To receive CAPTA funds, states must have policies and procedures addressing the needs of infants affected by illegal substance use or withdrawal symptoms resulting from prenatal drug exposure.
  • 2010
    The CAPTA Reauthorization Act incorporates infants with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and adds state data reporting requirements.
  • 2016
    The Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA) establishes a coordinated, balanced strategy through enhanced grant programs to expand prevention and education efforts while promoting treatment and recovery. It requires the Plan of Safe Care to include the needs of both the infant and family/caregiver.
  • 2018
    The State of Connecticut passes their own legislation establishing that written Plans of Safe Care must be developed between a birthing person and their provider.
  • 2022
    Legislation pending to change terminology from “Plan of Safe Care” to “Family Care Plan.”
More Legislation Info

Creating Family Care Plans

Patients who use substances during pregnancy must have a Family Care Plan readily verifiable at the time of birth in the event of a CAPTA notification. It is essential for providers to understand what these documents should include and how to create them.

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Get Professional Development & Assistance

SEPI-CT provides support services for professionals, practices, and agencies that work with pregnant people, including trainings, educational materials, and technical assistance.

TrainingsOther Resources for Professionals