Child welfare

Substance abuse is a major challenge in communities across America.  A 2018 national survey revealed that in the past year, more than 20 million people age 12 and older had a substance use disorder related to the use of alcohol or illicit drugs.  To help youth and families overcome the effects of substance abuse and co-occurring mental health disorders, the Office of Juvenile Justice and...

A study of a national sample of American children found that over the past year 60 percent were exposed to violence, crime, or abuse in their homes, schools, and communities. Almost 40 percent of American children were direct victims of 2 or more violent acts, and 1 in 10 were victims of violence 5 or more times. Children are more likely to be exposed to...