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What about the children? How opioid use affects child well‐being

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  • Lindsey Rose Bullinger
  • Benjamin C. Ward

Abstract

We study the relationship between opioid use and child well‐being. We combine data on legal opioid prescriptions, opioid‐related emergency department visits, and opioid‐involved mortality with foster care entrance records and child maltreatment reports. We find that increases in opioid‐related mortality and emergency department visits are associated with increased foster care entry, particularly among young children. We find no significant relationship between legal opioid distribution quantities and home removals. Finally, we examine the relationship between opioid‐related public policies and child welfare outcomes, finding mixed relationships between various policies and removal from the home.

Suggested Citation

  • Lindsey Rose Bullinger & Benjamin C. Ward, 2021. "What about the children? How opioid use affects child well‐being," Contemporary Economic Policy, Western Economic Association International, vol. 39(4), pages 737-759, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:coecpo:v:39:y:2021:i:4:p:737-759
    DOI: 10.1111/coep.12523
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Bullinger, Lindsey Rose & Fleckman, Julia M. & Fong, Kelley, 2021. "Proximity to SNAP-authorized retailers and child maltreatment reports," Economics & Human Biology, Elsevier, vol. 42(C).
    2. Atkins, Danielle N. & Durrance, Christine Piette, 2021. "The impact of state-level prenatal substance use policies on infant foster care entry in the United States," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 130(C).
    3. William Schneider & Lindsey Rose Bullinger & Kerri M. Raissian, 2022. "How does the minimum wage affect child maltreatment and parenting behaviors? An analysis of the mechanisms," Review of Economics of the Household, Springer, vol. 20(4), pages 1119-1154, December.

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