When the parent of a child in out-of-home care has been affected by substance use recovery timelines are an important factor in reunification efforts. Many jurisdictions have developed specialized programs to bring child welfare, substance abuse, and court systems together to support reunification. The following resources also include State and local examples.
A Pilot Study of Reunification Following Drug Abuse Treatment: Recovering the Mother Role
Carlson, Matto, Smith, & Eversman (2006)
Journal of Drug Issues, 36(4)
View Abstract
Explores the experiences and challenges of women in recovery from drug abuse who had resumed parenting their children after child placement.
State and local examples
Co-Occurring Problems for Substance-Abusing Mothers in Child Welfare: Matching Services to Improve Family Reunification
Choi & Ryan (2007)
Children and Youth Services Review, 29(11)
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Presents findings for a study showing that matching services to mothers' needs regarding co-occurring problems, such as mental health, housing, family counseling, and substance abuse treatment, significantly improved the likelihood of reunification for families involved with child welfare in Illinois.
Increasing Family Reunification for Substance-Abusing Mothers and Their Children: Comparing Two Drug Court Interventions in Miami
Dakof, Cohen, & Duarte (2009)
Juvenile and Family Court Journal, 60(4)
View Abstract
Presents promising results from the Engaging Moms Program, a family-based and gender-specific intervention designed to increase drug court graduation and family reunification for mothers affected by substance use.
You Don't Have to Stop Being a Parent While You Are in a Residential Substance Abuse Treatment Facility (PDF - 610 KB)
New York (State) Office of Children and Family Services (2011)
Provides information about visitation rights, termination of parental rights, family service plans, permanency planning, and more for parents in residential drug treatment programs in New York State.