The Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) is a federal law written during the 1970s. Over time, it has changed and now includes more protections for infants and children who might be considered at risk. One change to this policy is the notification to a CAPTA Notification Portal (this portal is managed by DCF) when a baby is born who has been prenatally exposed to alcohol or other drugs for the purposes of collecting data. This went into effect in CT on March 15, 2019. Connecticut hospitals are required to submit a notification to a CAPTA Notification Portal (this portal is managed by DCF) when an infant with prenatal substance exposure is born. In CT, this DCF CAPTA notification is “blind,” meaning that no identifying information on the parent or child is reported to DCF. A CAPTA notification must also have a Family Care Plan (FCP) verified or developed post birth to avoid a potentially unnecessary 136 report. There is no DCF involvement unless there is suspicion of abuse or neglect. Prenatal substance exposure alone is NOT grounds to substantiate abuse or neglect. The DMHAS provider system of care has a crucial role as it serves many women who will be impacted by this legislation and will need to be ready to help educate pregnant women on these changes and help them to develop their comprehensive plans of safe care prior to the time of their delivery.

For the most current information and resources on CAPTA and Family Care Plans for individuals, families, and professionals, visit https://www.sepict.org/