The number of referrals to Orange County’s social services agency for infants who were exposed to substances during pregnancy increased by more than 55% from 2014 to 2023.
That’s according to a report the county’s Social Services Agency released this month looking at familial health and the health of children across the county.
The “Conditions of Children” report also found significant increases in youth mental health struggles and a spike in the cost of childcare over recent years in the county. The report is meant to inform county decisions on how to better support families and children in the area.
Increased infant exposure to substances
Orange County saw 212 referrals last year to its Social Services Agency for infants exposed to substances in their first week of life, according to the new report — up from 136 referrals in 2014.
Substances include alcohol and cannabis.
That’s a notable increase, said Kristina Uban, an associate professor at UC Irvine who studies infant exposure to substances and serves on Orange County’s Family Wellness Plan committee, which assists pregnant people with histories of substance use.
She partly attributed the rise to the increased potency of drugs and alcohol over the past decade. She also said it was likely a result of efforts by Orange County organizations to train medical professionals on substance use during pregnancy.
She also called the data just the “tip of the iceberg,” noting that many pregnancies where the fetus is exposed to tobacco, drugs or alcohol don’t get reported in part due to stigma. Exposure during pregnancy can lead to adverse health conditions.
“If we can resource people and close the…
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