Effects of the opioid crisis can be seen throughout the U.S. In Georgia, widespread substance abuse has put thousands of children in foster care.

Effects of the opioid crisis can be seen throughout the U.S. In Georgia, widespread substance abuse has put thousands of children in foster care. / Flickr

Georgia’s director of Family and Children Services says the opioid crisis is the main reason behind a recent surge in the foster care population. 
 
More than 15,000 children are being cared for by the state, according to DFCS director Virginia Pryor. That’s nearly double what the population was five years ago.
GPB's Leah Fleming speaks with Virginia Pryor, director of Georgia's Division of Family & Children Services.

Research tells us that if we place a child with a relative, there’s a 70 percent likelihood that there won’t be another placement as opposed to 40 percent when they’re not placed with relatives.
 
Pryor says although opioid addiction is the main issue, her goal is keep children close to their families.

Tags: Virginia Pryor  Georgia DFCS  Foster care  opioid crisis  family