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Substance Abuse

Research indicates there can be a link between substance abuse and child maltreatment. Substance abuse may be a contributing factor for between one-third and two-thirds of maltreated children in the child welfare system. The number and complexity of co-occurring family problems often make it difficult to understand the full impact of substance abuse on child maltreatment.

During the past decade, prenatal exposure of children to drugs and alcohol during their mother's pregnancy, and its potentially negative developmental consequences, has been an issue of particular concern. In the United States, the number of children born each year exposed to drugs or alcohol is estimated to be between 550,000 and 750,000.¹

Alcohol and Drug Disorders Among Physically Abusive and Neglectful Parents in a Community-Based Sample
Kelleher, Chaffin, Hollenberg, & Fischer
American Journal of Public Health, 84(10), 1994
View Abstract
Examines the frequency of substance abuse disorders and symptoms within a population of adults reporting child physical abuse or neglect.

Association of Drug Abuse and Child Abuse
Jaudes, Ekwo, & Van Voorhis
Child Abuse and Neglect, 19(9), 1995
View Abstract
Attempts to show that children born to mothers who used drugs during pregnancy are at a higher risk of subsequent abuse or neglect.

Blending Perspectives and Building Common Ground: A Report to Congress on Substance Abuse and Child Protection

Author(s):	Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (HHS)
Availability:	View Publication Printable Version (PDF - 854 KB) Order Publication (Free - Add to Cart)
Year Published:	1999 - 188 pages

Mandated by the Adoption and Safe Families Act, this report to the United States Congress by the Department of Health and Human Services provides an overview of the relationship between substance abuse and child maltreatment and the effectiveness of services designed to meet the needs of child welfare clients affected by addiction. The report explains the nature of addiction and substance abuse treatment and describes the impact of substance abuse on parenting and child development. Emphasis is placed on the complexity of the problems of parents and children in the child welfare system and the necessity of collaboration between substance ...

Parental Substance Abuse and the Nature of Child Maltreatment
Famularo, Kinscherff, & Fenton
Child Abuse and Neglect, 16(4), 1992
View Abstract
Examines the association between parental substance abuse and physical or sexual child abuse.

Substance Abuse and Child Maltreatment

Series Title:	Bulletin for Professionals
Author(s):	Child Welfare Information Gateway
Availability:	View Publication Printable Version (PDF - 223 KB) Order Publication (Free - Add to Cart)
Year Published:	2003 - 5 pages

Substance abuse has a major impact on the child welfare system. It is estimated that 9 percent of children in the United States live with at least one parent who abuses alcohol or other drugs. Research has demonstrated that children of substance abusing parents are more likely to experience abuse or neglect than children in non-substance abusing households. This fact sheet addresses the scope of the problem, the impact of parental substance abuse on children, service delivery issues, and agency practice implications. Resources for further information also are provided. 12 references.

¹Adapted from J. Goldman, M. K. Salus, D. Wolcott, and K. Y. Kennedy. (2003). A coordinated response to child abuse and neglect: The foundation for practice. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Retrieved June 2006 from http://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/usermanuals/foundation/foundatione.cfm back

Updated on July 3, 2008