�| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, October 23, 2007 |
Grants to Fight Meth Abuse Released
The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced $40 million in federal grants over the next five years will be awarded to help children whose parents abuse methamphetamine or other substances. Awards for future years are contingent on available funds.
The funding will go to 53 organizations across the country to address a growing problem in America. Some grantees will establish or expand substance abuse treatment programs targeting families involved with the child welfare system, while others will focus on child- focused interventions, system wide collaboration efforts and capacity building, and other services focused on improving outcomes for children and families impacted by substance abuse.
“Substance abuse in any form wreaks havoc on family life, but methamphetamine has particularly horrendous consequences,” said HHS Acting Assistant Secretary for Children and Families Daniel Schneider. “I am pleased this initiative by the Bush Administration will support collaborations to help children at risk.”
It is estimated that 8.3 million children in the U.S. live with at least one parent who needs treatment for drug abuse or alcohol abuse. Addiction compromises parents’ ability to provide stability, a safe environment, and the attention that children need for their healthy growth and development.
Additionally, the high cost of maintaining an addiction can divert resources from basic needs such as food, shelter, and clothing. The rise of parental methamphetamine abuse is also a key factor underlying eventual entrance into foster care for many children.
Recipients of the federal funds include state and county organizations as well as community-based alliances and treatment centers. To see a complete list of grantees, visit FY 2007 Children's Bureau Discretionary Grant Awards link to http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cb/programs_fund/discretionary/2007.htm
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Note: All ACF news releases, fact sheets and other materials are available at www.acf.hhs.gov/opa/index.html.