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The Intersection of Substance Abuse and Child Welfare

The following resources discuss the occurrence of substance abuse in families involved with the child welfare system and its impact on children, youth, and families.

Parental Substance Use and the Child Welfare System Series Title: Bulletins for Professionals Author(s): Child Welfare Information Gateway Availability: View Publication Download Publication (PDF - 332KB) Year Published: 2009 - 11 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. 29 references. Protecting Children in Families Affected by Substance Use Disorders Author(s): Children's Bureau, ICF International. Availability: View Publication Download Publication (PDF - 0KB) Year Published: 2009 - 114 pages   This manual provides an overview of how child welfare and other related professionals can assist families affected by substance use disorders (SUDs), which also often may be referred to as "substance abuse." It is part of the Child Abuse and Neglect User Manual Series, which is published by the Office on Child Abuse and Neglect, Children's Bureau, Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The manual addresses the nature of SUDs; the impact of parental SUDs on children; in-home examination, screening, and assessment for SUDs; treatment of SUDs, and the role of child protective services ...

Attachment and Recovery: Caring for Substance Affected Families (PDF - 1342 KB)
The Connecticut Center for Effective Practice (2005)
An overview of key issues faced by families affected by substance abuse and a description of the core components of effective intervention programs.

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

Child Welfare, Drug Abuse, and Intergenerational Risk Research Center
School of Social Welfare, University at Albany, State University of New York
Focuses on the design, development, and delivery of coordinated, evidence-based services for families in the child welfare system with drug abuse and co-existing problems, especially HIV/AIDS.

Children of Mothers With Serious Substance Abuse Problems: An Accumulation of Risks
Conners, Bradley, & Mansell
American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, 30(1), 2004
View Abstract
Study of the life circumstances and experiences of children whose mothers have been admitted to long-term residential facilities due to substance abuse.

Cross System Impact of Adult Substance Abuse on Adult and Children's Social Services (PDF - 1820 KB)
Louis de la Parte Florida Mental Health Institute (2001)
Explores the extent to which children of adults with substance abuse problems enrolled in Medicaid were engaged in the child welfare, juvenile justice, and public behavioral health care systems.

Does Substance Abuse Treatment Make a Difference for Child Welfare Case Outcomes? A Statewide Longitudinal Analysis
Green, Rockhill, & Furrer
Children and Youth Services Review, 29(4), 2007
View Abstract
This study of 1911 women who had children placed in substitute care examined three key factors in the treatment process and their effect on child welfare outcomes. Implications for the improvement of services are discussed.

Family Matters: Substance Abuse and the American Family: A CASA White Paper (PDF - 565 KB)
National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (2005)
Examines the impact of substance abuse on family functioning from two perspectives: children as victims of parental drug use and the family's role in preventing drug and alcohol abuse by children.

The Impact of Illicit Drug Use on American Institutions: Compromising the Nation's Health (PDF - 326 KB)
Partnership for a Drug-Free America (2006)
Presents research on the effects of drug use on the criminal justice, social welfare, health care, and education systems, as well as the effects on families and children, including its impact on parenting practices, child and youth behavior, and family violence.

No Safe Haven: Children of Substance-Abusing Parents (PDF - 989 KB)
National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (1999)
Explores the relationship between parental substance abuse and child maltreatment, and describes various initiatives used by child welfare agencies and the courts to provide a safe environment for children affected by alcohol and drug addiction.

Parental Substance Abuse and Child Maltreatment Literature Review (PDF - 165 KB)
Children and Family Research Center (2002)
Reviews research on the issue of child maltreatment in the context of parental substance abuse.

	Related Information Gateway Topics Child abuse & neglect: Risk & protective factors - Substance abuse Child abuse & neglect: Impact - Substance abuse

Updated on March 1, 2010