In 1994, the U.S. Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT) initiated two treatment demonstration programs, the Residential Women and Children and the Pregnant and Postpartum Women Programs (RWC/PPW). These programs support 50 projects offering comprehensive, long-term (6 to 12 months) residential treatment for pregnant and parenting women with substance abuse problems, together with their infants and young children. For many of these women, one major factor motivating participation in treatment was the desire to maintain or regain custody of their children. This paper presents findings from a longitudinal cross-site study of over 1,700 former RWC/PPW clients. Comparing custody information obtained 6 months after clients' discharge from treatment to custody data just before treatment entry, the study examines the extent to which clients succeeded in regaining or maintaining custody of their children or, alternatively, failed to keep or gain custody of their children. Using a hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) approach, the paper will also examine what client characteristics and behaviors and treatment program factors are associated with success in regaining/retaining custody of children. Preliminary analysis suggests that length of stay in treatment, successful completion of treatment, and many other variables are strongly associated with client success in maintaining or regaining child custody.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this presentation, participants will be able to describe the impact of residential substance abuse treatment for women on family reconciliation and child custody.
Keywords: Substance Abuse Treatment, Women
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: research contract