CT HB06997

Directs the Commissioner of Children and Families to develop and implement policies and procedures to protect the health, safety, and well-being of infants affected at birth by prenatal drug or alcohol exposure, drug abuse withdrawal, or fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, in compliance with the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act.

Requires policies and procedures to secure substance use treatment for affected infants, their mothers, and other caregivers, and to ensure infants are raised in substance-use-free homes.

Mandates the Commissioner submit a report by February 1, 2018, to relevant General Assembly committees detailing the number of referred cases, policies implemented, gaps in notification and services, and recommendations for service improvements.

Defines "drug abuse" as ingestion of controlled substances without prescription or legal authorization, "substance use" as excessive use of drugs or alcohol causing harm, and "fetal alcohol spectrum disorder" as health conditions affecting infants whose mothers consumed alcohol during pregnancy.