Substance Abuse
This chart shows the # of DCFS cases where substance abuse was listed as a contributing factor to abuse/neglect of a child.
The state struggles with the best approach to substance abuse, particularly with the fairly recent emergence of methamphetamine production and use, and its devastating toll on children and families. For the children who are often neglected and sometimes abused as a result of their parents/caretakers substance abuse, the problems seem overwhelming. The quality improvement committees across the state are focusing their attention on substance abuse issues, and its unique effects on each region (rural and urban). The recommendations generated by the committees will be posted in this area as they are formulated.
