Hope Rising Clinic Pioneers Washington's First Prenatal Substance Exposure (PSE) Training Initiative

New program equips pediatric doctors, therapists, and educators, with tools to help identify, improve outcomes, and expand access to care for children and families impacted by PSE

BOTHELL, Wash., Sept. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Hope Rising Clinic, a division of Wonderland Child & Family Services, is leading the way in addressing one of the most urgent but overlooked public health issues facing children and families today: prenatal substance exposure (PSE). This June, Hope Rising Clinic launched Washington's first intensive training program for child-serving professionals to better support children impacted by PSE—a groundbreaking step made possible by funding from House Bill 1168 (2023), Ballmer Group, and private funding.

The three-day training entitled "Supporting Children with Alcohol and/or Drug Exposure and their Families: An Informed Approach to Intervention and Supports," brought together over two dozen children's health care professionals for a live, interactive learning experience. The training focused on:

• Understanding the developmental impacts of PSE
• Addressing behavioral, sensory, and communication challenges using trauma-informed strategies
• Providing tools and resources for supporting caregivers and families
• Applying clinical frameworks in classrooms and community settings

Demand for the training exceeded capacity immediately, with more than 75 additional providers placed on a waitlist—demonstrating the urgent statewide need for education and resources related to PSE.

"Every 24 minutes, an infant is diagnosed with neonatal abstinence syndrome, and one in seven pregnant people report drinking alcohol during pregnancy," said Ryan Conley, Hope Rising Clinic Director. "The prevalence of prenatal substance exposure is staggering, and most providers already have children with PSE on their caseloads—whether they recognize it or not. Our training initiative ensures professionals have the tools and understanding to meet these children and families with compassion and effectiveness."

Looking Ahead

Building on the success of this first cohort, Hope Rising Clinic is developing plans to expand training opportunities for educators, pediatric providers, and community professionals across Washington state. The goal of Hope Rising Clinic's PSE training programs is to equip providers across clinics, schools, and early intervention settings with tailored, evidence-based tools—building a statewide network of PSE-informed professionals who can deliver consistent, high-quality support for children and families from birth through early adulthood.

This work is especially timely during Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) Awareness Month, a national campaign each September that sheds light on the most common preventable developmental disability. Hope Rising Clinic's training is helping to break down stigma, improve outcomes, and build stronger systems of care and families.

Powered by Community Support

While state funding launched this initiative, the ongoing work of Hope Rising Clinic is sustained through Wonderland's Family Care Fund, a donor-supported resource that ensures children and families can access services regardless of their ability to pay.

"Training educators and professionals is crucial but so is making sure families can walk through our doors without worrying about cost," said Mary Kirchoff, Executive Director and CEO of Wonderland and Hope Rising Clinic. "Wonderland's Family Care Fund bridges the gap between what is funded and what is needed, so no child is turned away from receiving critical, life-changing services. Ever."

Next Steps for Leaders & Partners

Hope RISING Clinic invites policymakers, funders, and community partners to:

• Learn more about the PSE training initiative and its impact
• Visit the clinic to hear directly from clinicians and families
• Support the expansion of PSE-informed care and training across Washington

This initiative demonstrates how targeted investments—both public and private—can create immediate, meaningful change for children and families impacted by prenatal substance exposure.

Hope Rising Clinic
Hope Rising Clinic, founded in 2019 by Wonderland Child & Family Services, provides specialized care for children and families affected by prenatal substance exposure. HRC's comprehensive, trauma-informed service model addresses the developmental, emotional, and behavioral needs of children impacted by PSE, while offering family-focused support programs to ensure lasting positive outcomes. For more information, visit hoperisingclinic.org.

Claire Lee
Sr. Marketing Specialist
425-281-5653
[email protected]

SOURCE Hope Rising Clinic