Many families and children receiving child welfare services are affected by parental substance use. A substance use disorder is a risk factor 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, child welfare professionals must understand the intersection of child welfare and substance use disorders to assess and intervene in affected families effectively. Child welfare practitioners should be aware that families of color are disproportionately represented in the child welfare system. Families from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds involved with child welfare also experience the disproportionate effects of substance use disorders while facing disparate access to substance use disorder treatment. Below, find resources detailing the connection between involvement with the child welfare system and parental substance use disorders.

• The opioid crisis

2014 and 2017 Regional Partnership Grants to Increase the Well-Being and to Improve the Permanency Outcomes of Children Affected by Substance Abuse
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families (2021)
Provides a summary of the cross-site evaluation findings from the third round of Regional Partnership Grants (RPG), introduces projects and evaluations for the fourth cohort of RPGs, and summarizes the redesign for the national cross-site evaluation.

Challenges in Providing Substance Use Disorder Treatment to Child Welfare Clients in Rural Communities (PDF - 396 KB)
Clary, Ribar, & Weisensbeg (2020)
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation
Examines barriers child welfare agencies and substance use disorder treatment providers face in serving rural communities and differences between rural and nonrural areas. It also offers strategies to improve access to services and supports

Children and Families Affected by Parental Substance Use Disorders (SUDs)
National Center on Substance Abuse and Child Welfare 
Describes how living with parents affected by substance use disorder is a risk factor for child welfare involvement compared to other children. The webpage also explores data related to the age of the child at the time of placement, the type of substance used, and treatment admissions. Links to related resources are provided.

Child Welfare and Alcohol and Drug Use Statistics
National Center on Substance Abuse and Child Welfare
Presents national data from two decades that summarizes how parental substance use has affected the child welfare system.

Disrupting Stigma: How Understanding, Empathy, and Connection Can Improve Outcomes for Families Affected by Substance Use and Mental Disorders (PDF - 1,938 KB)
National Center on Substance Abuse and Child Welfare
Offers strategies for practitioners working with families affected by substance use, including how to intentionally use strengths-based language to fight stigma and facilitate engagement with parents and family members.

Spotlight on Disproportionality and Disparities Among Families in Child Welfare and Substance Abuse Treatment
National Center on Substance Abuse and Child Welfare
Highlights the disproportionality and disparities among families of color involved with the child welfare system affected by substance use disorders. Additional resources on strategies, practices, and more are also available.

Tutorials 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 - 1,153)
National Center on Substance Abuse and Child Welfare (2019)
Offers five tips for child welfare professionals when working with families affected by substance use disorders.

What Can We Learn From Family Treatment Courts About Improving Practice for Families Affected by Substance Use Disorder?
Casey Family Programs (2021)
Reviews effective strategies family treatment courts use to improve outcomes for families affected by parental substance use disorder. It also includes tips for child welfare professionals and local examples.

(Back to Top)