Evidence-Informed Substance Use Disorder Policies for Maternal and Child Populations

The unintended consequences of substance use disorder policies can be significant for women and families impacted by substance use disorders (SUD). Policies such as mandatory minimum sentencing and prosecution of low-level substance use offenses have led to soaring imprisonment rates, especially for Black and Latina populations. This brief discusses the gendered and racialized impacts of substance use and child maltreatment policies and offers four considerations to policymakers as they look to create effective, meaningful policy to improve outcomes for women and families impacted by SUD.

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