Patterns of substance abuse treatment enrollment among pregnant drug dependent women have been constructed as delay or denial, yet women's concerns about drug testing, arrest and incarceration and loss of child custody have also been cited as possible reasons for treatment delay. The objective of this qualitative study was to examine patterns of treatment utilization and extrinsic barrier negotiation among 36 pregnant and parenting women enrolled in residential perinatal substance abuse treatment in public sector programs of northern California. While data analysis is in process, preliminary results suggest that among this sample of women, fears of punitive legal and child welfare interventions and current pregnancy drop-in experiences of negative and threatening responses from health care providers acted as barriers that deterred women from seeking treatment and prenatal care. The findings suggest policy initiatives for therapeutic outreach strategies, addiction treatment approaches, legal and child welfare interventions and public policy on pregnancy and addiction that is therapeutic and non-punitive. This research is supported by NIH/NINR grant # F31 NRO7440-02.
Learning Objectives: 1)Describe characteristics and major issues for incarcerated and newly released women. 2)Discuss programs and strategies for linking incarcerated and newly released women and their children to treatment and other services. 3)Identify components and partnerships needed in a community-based comprehensive system of care for incarcerated women. 4)Identify barriers to drug treatment services among pregnant women. 5)Discuss policy implications in terms of ensuring a comprehensive system of care for women who use illegal drugs. 6)Identify outcomes for measuring the impact of local programs and policies. 7)Discuss future initiatives and their potential impact on women's services.
Keywords: Access and Services, Vulnerable Populations
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.