Finding Independence through Recovery: Empowering Parents to Heal and Thrive

On July 4th, JBS International observed our nation’s independence as well as the many forms of independence that strengthen families and communities. Among them, recovery from a substance use disorder (SUD) brings freedom to heal, rebuild, and thrive. For parents, recovery can mean renewed hope, healthier relationships, and a stronger foundation for the future. For children, it can mean greater stability, consistent support, and the opportunity to grow up in a nurturing environment. 

Parental Substance Use

According to a 2025 study using national data, an estimated 1 in 4 (19 million) children lived with a parent or caregiver with an SUD in 2023. ¹ Alcohol use disorder was the most common parental SUD, affecting more than 12 million children. More than 6 million children had a parent or caregiver with both an SUD and a mental health condition. Parental SUD is a major driver for child welfare involvement, especially for infants. Substance use was associated with removal for 38.2% of all children and more than half (55.2%) of children under age 1 who entered out-of-home care in 2024.^{2, 3}  

Independence Requires Support

Independence does not mean recovering alone. It means having the resources, relationships, and opportunities needed to choose a healthier path. Recovery is a long-term journey that benefits from a recovery-oriented system of care—one that builds on individual, family, and community strengths while addressing the whole person. It is more than just sending a parent to treatment and expecting resolution—recovery often depends on strong community networks, kinship connections, peer and family support, behavioral health services, and wraparound care that helps families meet their basic needs. 

Supporting Prevention Services

For families involved with the child welfare system, timely services and support are essential to in-home safety plans and reunification. Successful reunification depends on coordinated communication and collaboration across systems to strengthen family resilience, address challenges, and promote child safety. JBS International proudly partners with states to implement the Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA), a federal law, which expands access to SUD services and in-home parenting support. 

The experts at JBS include people with lived experience; former assessment, permanency, and adoption workers; data analysts; researchers; and thought leaders. Together, these experts work collaboratively to ensure seamless connection between policy and practice to help families achieve stability, strengthen resilience, and build lasting independence through recovery.

Our team also translates science into practical guidance to support behavioral health. Through training and technical assistance (TTA) and audience-centered communication, JBS helps more families connect to mental health treatment. JBS has an expansive history of providing systemic change through collaboration with federal, state, and community partners to improve public, behavioral, maternal, and child health through strategic communication, research and evaluation, technical assistance grounded in implementation science, and human-centered technology solutions. 

JBS understands that not all families have services available in, or near, their communities. Our team works closely with rural and Tribal communities so families can thrive. Since 2018, JBS has provided TTA so that rural providers are well-equipped and supported in delivering high-quality care in their communities. Together, we create community-driven solutions so parents can access care close to home and build the foundation for lasting recovery, family stability, and independence.

Reflect and Connect

We invite you to join us with writing personal reflection this month:

• “I declare independence from…”
• “I commit to…”
• “I will protect my family by…”

References

1. McCabe, S. E., McCabe, V. V., & Schepis, T. S. (2025). US children living with a parent with substance use disorder. JAMA Pediatrics, 179(7), 797–799. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapediatrics.2025.0828
2. National Center on Substance Abuse and Child Welfare. (2026, March 16). Prevalence of parental alcohol or drug abuse as a condition associated with removal in the United States, 2000 to 2024. Administration for Children and Families; Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. https://ncsacw.acf.gov/research/child-welfare-statistics/interactive-statistics-series/1-2-prevalence-aod-removal/
3. National Center on Substance Abuse and Child Welfare. (2026, March 16). Percent of children with parental alcohol or drug abuse as a condition associated with removal who were under age 1 in the United States, 2000 to 2024. Administration for Children and Families; Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. https://ncsacw.acf.gov/research/child-welfare-statistics/interactive-statistics-series/5-removal-age-under-1/

Learn more about what we do at JBS and discover how you can partner with us to improve the lives of real people, every day.