Intersecting stigma of substance use and child welfare system involvement: Understanding stigma drivers, experiences, and outcomes from a socioecological perspective

Abstract

Background: Substance use in parents is a common reason for child welfare system involvement (CWS). Stigma associated with substance use and disorders (SU/D) continues to negatively impact individuals; however, less is understood about the intersecting stigma of CWS involvement and SU/D. The current study seeks to understand parents' experiences of stigma related to SU/D and CWS involvement as well as the drivers and consequences of stigma at multiple socioecological levels using the Health Stigma and Discrimination Framework. Methods: Qualitative data analysis was conducted on semi-structured interviews with N = 31 Child Welfare System (CWS) personnel (90.3 % female; 96.8 % White, Non-Hispanic), N = 28 SU/D service providers (85.7 % female; 67.9 % White; 89.3 % Non-Hispanic), and N = 28 parents (89.3 % female; 78.6 % White; 89.3 % Non-Hispanic) with a current or recent CWS case due to SU/D. Results: Stigma drivers included a lack of understanding of SU/D at interpersonal, community, and organizational levels; negative stereotypes of parents with SU/D involved in CWS (seen as dishonest, unmotivated, poor parents); community neglect of SU/D; negative attitudes towards SU/D medications and harm reduction; and CWS policies unsupportive of SU/D. Parents described experiences of stigma by CWS and the healthcare system, their communities, and loved ones, leading to social isolation and hesitancy to engage in services. Consequently, stigma impacted SU/D service availability, housing/employment policies, and CWS practices, further negatively impacting parents. Conclusion: Parents with SU/D and involved in CWS have unique experiences of stigmatization related to both SU/D and CWS involvement. Findings point to multiple targets for stigma reduction at different socioecological levels.