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Vermont Plans of Safe Care


The Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA), signed into law in 2016, was the first major federal legislation related to addiction in 40 years.

Legislative Background


What Needs To Happen In Vermont

  1. A POSC should be developed for all substance-exposed infants — before they are discharged from the hospital after birth.
  2. It should be created with the parents/caregivers (ideally started prenatally), saved in the infant’s medical record, and shared with the infant’s primary care provider to facilitate communication and ensure follow-up of any new referrals placed after birth.
  3. A de-identified CAPTA notification form should be completed for substance-exposed newborns and submitted to the Family Services Division for annual reporting to the Children’s Bureau.

Guidance Documents


Frequently-Asked Questions


Vermont Resources

Forms for hospitals:

Flowcharts:

Flyer for families:


Have Questions?

Send an email to AHS.DCFFSDCAPTA@vermont.gov.