Journal of Pediatric Psychology Advance Access originally published online on February 23, 2005
Journal of Pediatric Psychology 2005 30(7):581-597; doi:10.1093/jpepsy/jsi045
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Collaboration between Child Welfare and Substance-Abuse Fields: Combined Treatment Programs for Mothers*
Rowan University, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, and Treatment Research Institute
All correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to MaryLouise E. Kerwin, Department of Psychology, Rowan University, 201 Mullica Hill Road, Glassboro, New Jersey 08028-1701. E-mail: kerwin{at}rowan.edu.
Received December 15, 2003; revisions received June 7, 2004 and August 25, 2004; accepted August 26, 2004
Objective To review collaboration between child welfare and drug-abuse fields in providing treatment to mothers who abuse drugs and maltreat their children. Methods Literature review of studies examining effects of maternal drug abuse on parenting skills and outcomes of interventions for both maternal drug abuse and parenting skills. Results Parenting skills differ between mothers who do and do not abuse drugs, but these studies are primarily limited to mothers of infants and preschoolers. The evidence base for interventions to address both substance use and parenting in these mothers is growing, but more well-controlled studies are needed. Opportunities for improved collaboration between fields are presented. Conclusion Progress has been made toward collaboration to address drug abuse and parenting skills of mothers who abuse drugs, but more integrated strategies are needed, especially for mothers who use drugs and maltreat their children.
Key words: child maltreatment; drug abuse; treatment; parenting.