A drug-exposed child is defined as which of the following?

• A. A child who uses drugs.
• B. A child who has been exposed to or experiences withdrawal from drugs that could affect them.
• C. A child in foster care.
• D. A child with no exposure.

Answer: (B)

The key idea is that drug exposure refers to substances the child has been exposed to, typically during pregnancy, and any withdrawal effects after birth. When a mother uses drugs during pregnancy, the fetus can receive those substances, and the newborn can go through withdrawal, which can impact health and development. That makes the description of a child who has been exposed to or experiences withdrawal from drugs the most accurate definition of a drug-exposed child. Being a child who uses drugs, or being in foster care, or having no exposure do not define drug exposure in this context.