Cost-Benefit to Society
Fewer Drug-Exposed Babies:
- > 1000 illegal drug-exposed babies born in Virginia in 1999 (does not include babies exposed to alcohol or cigarettes which multiplies the number by 400%)
- $6,200 = Average cost of medical treatment for drug exposed babies.
- 32 babies born to Virginia drug court participants in 2001.
Reduced Cost for Foster Care Placement:
- Judges say most of Virginia’s 7,596 children in foster care in 2001were there because of parental substance abuse.
- Foster care costs: $3,828 to $5,532 per child per year.