Many families and children receiving child welfare services are affected by parental substance use. Having a substance use disorder is a risk factors for maltreatment, as it may affect a parent’s ability to function as a caregiver and provide for their children's basic needs, such as safety, security, and permanency. For these reasons, it is essential that child welfare professionals understand the intersection of child welfare and substance use disorders to effectively assess and intervene in affected families. Below, find resources detailing the connection between child maltreatment and parental substance use disorders.
Child Welfare and Alcohol & Drug Use Statistics
National Center on Substance Abuse and Child Welfare
Presents national data over more than two decades that summarizes how parental substance use has affected the child welfare system.
Children Living With Parents Who Have a Substance Use Disorder
Lipari & Van Horn (2017)
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Describes the prevalence of children living with a parent who has a substance use disorder and provides information about common outcomes for these families and the types of services that may be needed to support their well-being.
How Many Families in Child Welfare Services Are Affected by Parental Substance Use Disorders? A Common Question That Remains Unanswered
Seay (2016)
Child Welfare, 94
Discusses how prevalence rates of parental substance use in the child welfare system vary based on the type of child welfare involvement and method of data collection.
| Series Title | State Statutes |
| Author(s) | Child Welfare Information Gateway |
| Availability | View Download (PDF - 540KB) |
| Year Published | 2020 |
The Relationship Between Substance Use Indicators and Child Welfare Caseloads (PDF - 390 KB)
Ghertner, Baldwin, Crouse, Radel, & Waters (2018)
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation
Discusses the intrinsic relationship between substance use prevalence and child welfare cases, which have both risen in recent years.
Substance Abuse and Child Welfare Resources
National Conference of State Legislatures (2019)
Includes State data and policy compilations, news stories, resources on statewide initiatives and local programs, and links to national organizations that provide information about the opioid crisis.
Tutorial for Child Welfare Professionals
National Center on Substance Abuse and Child Welfare
Provides child welfare professionals with knowledge of alcohol and drug addiction and its impact on parenting; engagement strategies and the treatment and recovery process for families affected by substance use disorders; services needed by children whose parents have substance use disorders; and methods of improving collaboration among substance use treatment, child welfare and court systems.
Understanding Substance Use Disorders - What Child Welfare Staff Need to Know (PDF - 1,112)
National Center on Substance Abuse and Child Welfare (2019)
Offers five tips for child welfare professionals to use when working with families affected by substance use disorders.