New Programs Offer Vital Info for Families of Children Affected by Prenatal Substance Exposure

Cases of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS), a group of conditions affecting babies that are exposed to substances before they are born, are on the rise in the U.S. If your family is caring for a baby or toddler with NAS, you’ll find helpful info and tips in a new program series created by the Virginia Beach Department of Human Services (DHS). The free, four-part series is designed to help families care for children’s immediate and long-term needs and support their development for success in school and in life:   

Substance-Exposed Infants and the NICU Journey
Oct. 10, 5:30-7 p.m.
Virginia Beach DHS, 3432 Virginia Beach Blvd.

After the NICU: Implications of In-Utero Substance Exposure Through Infancy and Toddlerhood
Nov.  7, 5:30-7 p.m.
Meyera E. Oberndorf Central Library, 4100 Virginia Beach Blvd. 

Trauma Before Words: Preverbal Trauma and the Substance-Exposed Infant
Dec. 5, 5:30-7 p.m.
Meyera E. Oberndorf Central Library, 4100 Virginia Beach Blvd. 

Early Intervention and the Substance-Exposed Child
Jan. 9, 2025, 5:30-7 p.m.
Virginia Beach DHS, 3432 Virginia Beach Blvd.

Attending all four programs is recommended, but not required. In addition to helpful info, you’ll receive free, sensory-friendly items for babies and toddlers. Childcare will be provided during the event. Register online now to reserve your spot or call 757-385-4986.