Supporting Development for Children in a Family-Centered Recovery Home Setting: A Play-Based and Educational Program

Abstract

Play is a child’s most important occupation. Through play, children develop fine motor and gross motor skills, social skills, and independence. Occupational therapists have a role in addressing play development and caregiver education in many settings, including family-centered residential recovery housing. Research has established that children impacted by parental substance use often experience developmental delays impacting play engagement. Barriers to age-appropriate play participation include parental lack of experience and education on developmental milestones and age-appropriate activities. The capstone student collaborated with the site to develop and implement a play-based and educational program with the purpose of encouraging developmentally appropriate play engagement for the children residing in the recovery home. The goal of this program was to target caregiver confidence and satisfaction in promoting developmentally appropriate play for their children. Results of the study indicate the staff and participants were satisfied with the implemented program and experienced improved confidence and competence in facilitating the development of their children following program implementation.