The 2021 Reauthorization of CAPTA — Letting Public Health Lead

This Perspective article evaluates the 2021 reauthorization of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA), focusing on its implications for infants affected by prenatal substance exposure and their families. The authors critique the law’s historical shortcomings, such as vague terminology (e.g., "affected by") and inconsistent implementation, which have hindered effective identification and support for families. The Senate’s reauthorization bill proposes key improvements, including replacing punitive "plans of safe care" with "family care plans," emphasizing public health over child protection, and addressing racial disparities in child welfare systems. The authors advocate for standardized clinical guidance, evidence-based family assessments, and cross-system collaboration to ensure equitable support for families impacted by substance use disorder (SUD).

This Perspective article evaluates the 2021 reauthorization of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA), focusing on its implications for infants affected by prenatal substance exposure and their families. The authors critique the law’s historical shortcomings, such as vague terminology (e.g., "affected by") and inconsistent implementation, which have hindered effective identification and support for families. The Senate’s reauthorization bill proposes key improvements, including replacing punitive "plans of safe care" with "family care plans," emphasizing public health over child protection, and addressing racial disparities in child welfare systems. The authors advocate for standardized clinical guidance, evidence-based family assessments, and cross-system collaboration to ensure equitable support for families impacted by substance use disorder (SUD).