WASHINGTON, D.C. – House Human Resources Subcommittee Chairman Vern Buchanan (R-FL) announced today that the Subcommittee will hold a hearing entitled “The Heroin Epidemic and Parental Substance Abuse: Using Evidence and Data to Protect Kids from Harm” on Wednesday, May 18, at 2:00 PM in room 1100 of the Longworth House Office Building. At the hearing, Members will examine the effectiveness of programs designed to address parental substance abuse and protect children from harm. Members will also explore state efforts to better use data to identify and serve children most at risk due to parental substance abuse.

Upon announcing the hearing, Chairman Buchanan said:

“The heroin epidemic is a growing crisis affecting families across the country, and it’s reaching into our local communities. This crisis doesn’t only affect adults – it also has a serious impact on children, especially those who come into foster care because of parental drug abuse. Thankfully, many states, including my home state of Florida, are leading the effort to combat this crisis. Our hearing next week is a chance to learn more about what states are doing to keep our kids safe. It’s also an opportunity to discuss how we can encourage additional state-led efforts to help more families struggling with addiction.”