Legislation Affecting Governmental Assistance for Children of Parents with Substance Use: A Policy Analysis of Social Justice
Document Type
Article
Subject Area(s)
Child; Child of Impaired Parents (legislation & jurisprudence); Child, Preschool; Health Policy (legislation & jurisprudence); Health Services Accessibility (legislation & jurisprudence); Humans; Medical Assistance (ethics, legislation & jurisprudence); Parents; Politics; Social Justice (legislation & jurisprudence); Substance-Related Disorders; United States; Vulnerable Populations (legislation & jurisprudence)
Abstract
There is legislation that withdraws governmental assistance where parents are using drugs. Social justice is an important consideration in any policy that modifies governmental assistance that benefits vulnerable children. The purpose of this policy analysis is to analyze identified legislation that effect governmental assistance for children in response to parents' substance misuse. A selective review of data-driven studies examined findings describing actual or potential effects on children of legislation targeting parental substance misuse. Challenges in design, processes, and implementation contribute to poor child outcomes. Identifiable constructs of social justice were missing in the reviewed legislation. Social injustice is a potential outcome for children when legislative intent focuses solely on addressing parental drug behaviors. Legislative alternatives to withdrawing support can address substance abuse while maintaining health promotion for these vulnerable children.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Publication Info
Published in Policy, Politics & Nursing Practice, Volume 13, Issue 4, 2013, pages 195-204.
APA Citation
Raynor, P., & Williams, P. H. (2012). Legislation Affecting Governmental Assistance for Children of Parents With Substance Use. Policy, Politics, & Nursing Practice, 13(4), 195–204. https://doi.org/10.1177/1527154413481678 https://doi.org/10.1177/1527154413481678
Rights
© The Author(s) 2012.