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Editor’s note: The following was submitted for publication by local pediatrician, Dr. Marsha Raulerson.

“We have good news for children living with relatives other than their parents due to the opioid epidemic. Many families have been deeply affected by opioid abuse, with parents unable to care for their children due to active addiction, rehab, or incarceration. Grandparents, aunts and uncles, or other relatives have often had to step in and care for these children.
“Escambia County is now one of several counties in Alabama participating in a pilot project to support the needs of these children. Currently funds are limited to five hundred dollars per child – not a lot, but a great start.
“In Alabama more than sixty-five thousand children are being raised by relatives because of a parent’s drug addiction. Many of these children suffer neglect and abuse, and arrive in their new home traumatized, scared, and with challenging behaviors.
“The good news is that children living with relatives are more likely to thrive in a “forever home” than children placed in foster care.
“Unfortunately, children living with relatives on a fixed income are often unable to afford many of the things that support wellbeing. These can include orthodontia, sports participation, a school prom, tutoring, summer camp, or a vacation trip – just to name a few. Their relatives may struggle with car repairs, putting food on the table, appropriate housing, and gas for needed travel.
“Twice last year I heard Dr. Stephen Lloyd, Chairperson of the Tennessee Opioid Abatement Council, talk about being “Dope Sick.” He uses a “slot machine” comparison to describe the development of substance abuse: three strikes and you are addicted. Those are (1) a family history or genetic disposition, (2) adverse childhood experiences, and (3) ease of access to addictive substances. Children in kinship care have two of these strikes already. If we support their needs so they can have as normal a life as possible, when the opportunity arises, they can say “NO” to drugs.”
If you are the caregiver for a child relative whose parent is drug addicted or has died from an overdose, please call the Area Agency on Aging of the South Alabama Regional Planning Commission for assistance at 251-706-4680.