The state of Ohio has recently launched a new initiative aimed at tackling the ongoing opioid crisis and substance abuse epidemic. The initiative, known as OhioSTART (Sobriety, Treatment, and Reducing Trauma), is a collaboration between child protective services, courts, and law enforcement agencies across the state.

The opioid crisis has had a devastating impact on Ohio, with the state experiencing some of the highest rates of overdose deaths in the country. In 2017, there were over 4,800 opioid-related overdose deaths in Ohio, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Substance abuse and addiction have also led to an increase in the number of children being removed from their homes and placed in foster care, putting additional strain on the state’s already overburdened child welfare system.

The OhioSTART initiative aims to address these interconnected issues by providing specialized services to families affected by substance abuse and helping to keep children in their homes whenever possible. Under the initiative, child protective services workers, together with law enforcement and the courts, will receive training in trauma-informed care and will work to connect families with the resources they need to overcome substance abuse and maintain a stable home environment.

OhioSTART will also provide support for parents in recovery, including access to counseling, treatment programs, and other services aimed at helping them to address their substance abuse issues and become better equipped to care for their children.

The initiative represents a significant step forward in Ohio’s efforts to address the opioid crisis and its impact on families. By taking a holistic approach to the issue, OhioSTART aims to not only provide support for those struggling with addiction but also to prevent the unnecessary removal of children from their homes and to give families the resources and support they need to heal and thrive.

The launch of OhioSTART has been met with widespread support from across the state, with many praising the initiative for its integrated and compassionate approach to addressing the opioid crisis and substance abuse epidemic. By working together and leveraging the expertise of multiple agencies, Ohio hopes to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those affected by addiction and to create a safer, healthier future for its communities.