Title 42The Public Health and WelfareRelease 119-73

§280h–8 Recognizing early childhood trauma related to substance abuse

Title 42 › Chapter CHAPTER 6A— - PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE › Subchapter SUBCHAPTER II— - GENERAL POWERS AND DUTIES › Part Part Q— - Programs To Improve the Health of Children › § 280h–8

Last updated Apr 6, 2026|Official source

Summary

The Secretary of Health and Human Services must give information, resources, and technical help to early childhood programs and workers. The materials must teach how to notice trauma in young children, including trauma from a family member’s substance use, and how to respond to keep children safe and supported. The materials must explain early warning signs and risk factors, offer age‑appropriate ways to talk and act with children, give options for responding and for referring families to evidence‑based services, and promote whole‑family or multi‑generation approaches when keeping the family together is best for the child. HHS must work with the task force to create best practices for identifying, referring, and supporting these children under section 7132. These materials do not change the rules in the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990, the Head Start Act, or the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

Full Legal Text

Title 42, §280h–8

The Public Health and Welfare — Source: USLM XML via OLRC

(a)The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall disseminate information, resources, and, if requested, technical assistance to early childhood care and education providers and professionals working with young children on—
(1)ways to properly recognize children who may be impacted by trauma, including trauma related to substance use by a family member or other adult; and
(2)how to respond appropriately in order to provide for the safety and well-being of young children and their families.
(b)The information, resources, and technical assistance provided under subsection (a) shall—
(1)educate early childhood care and education providers and professionals working with young children on understanding and identifying the early signs and risk factors of children who might be impacted by trauma, including trauma due to exposure to substance use;
(2)suggest age-appropriate communication tools, procedures, and practices for trauma-informed care, including ways to prevent or mitigate the effects of trauma;
(3)provide options for responding to children impacted by trauma, including due to exposure to substance use, that consider the needs of the child and family, including recommending resources and referrals for evidence-based services to support such family; and
(4)promote whole-family and multi-generational approaches to keep families safely together when it is in the best interest of the child.
(c)The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall coordinate with the task force to develop best practices for trauma-informed identification, referral, and support authorized under section 7132 in disseminating the information, resources, and technical assistance described under subsection (b).
(d)Such information, resources, and if applicable, technical assistance, shall not be construed to amend the requirements under—
(1)the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 9858 et seq.);
(2)the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9831 et seq.); or
(3)the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. 1400 et seq.).

Legislative History

Notes & Related Subsidiaries

Editorial Notes

References in Text

section 7132, referred to in subsec. (c), is section 7132 of Pub. L. 115–271, title VII, Oct. 24, 2018, 132 Stat. 4046, which is not classified to the Code. The Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990, referred to in subsec. (d)(1), is subchapter C (§ 658A et seq.) of chapter 8 of subtitle A of title VI of Pub. L. 97–35, as added by Pub. L. 101–508, title V, § 5082(2), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1388–236, which is classified generally to subchapter II–B (§ 9857 et seq.) of chapter 105 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 9857(a) of this title and Tables. The Head Start Act, referred to in subsec. (d)(2), is subchapter B (§ 635 et seq.) of chapter 8 of subtitle A of title VI of Pub. L. 97–35, Aug. 13, 1981, 95 Stat. 499, which is classified generally to subchapter II (§ 9831 et seq.) of chapter 105 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see

Short Title

note set out under section 9801 of this title and Tables. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, referred to in subsec. (d)(3), is title VI of Pub. L. 91–230, Apr. 13, 1970, 84 Stat. 175, which is classified generally to chapter 33 (§ 1400 et seq.) of Title 20, Education. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 1400 of Title 20 and Tables. Codification Section was enacted as part of the Substance Use–Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment for Patients and Communities Act, also known as the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act, and not as part of the Public Health Service Act which comprises this chapter.

Reference

Citations & Metadata

Citation

42 U.S.C. § 280h–8

Title 42The Public Health and Welfare

Last Updated

Apr 6, 2026

Release point: 119-73