§ 280h–8 — Recognizing Early Childhood Trauma Related To Substance Abuse

(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.).