Understanding parents’ experience navigating substance use treatment and the child welfare system

Abstract

Introduction: Substance use is a common reason for involvement in the child welfare system and associated with poor outcomes for families, such as repeat maltreatment and loss of parental rights; however, rates of substance use treatment engagement among parents in child welfare are low. The current study examines the role and impact of substance use on parents' experiences with the child welfare system and substance use treatment. Methods: The study conducted semi-structured interviews with parents currently or recently involved in child welfare and substance use treatment (N = 29; 86.2 % female; 75.9 % White). Results: Themes from qualitative analyses related to (1) the role of substance use in child welfare cases, (2) the challenges of managing substance use treatment and child welfare requirements, and (3) perspectives on the role of parenting in substance use treatment and recovery. Conclusions: Parents with substance use involved in child welfare face unique challenges when addressing substance use and child welfare requirements. Findings underscore the importance of involving those with lived experience in policy and decision-making; ensuring evidence-based practices specifically targeting parents with substance use are available; and ensuring child welfare personnel receive training and education in addiction and substance use.