National Alliance For Drug Endangered Children

Help. Hope. Support.

Donate Today

Find Out How You Can Help

Intensive case management for substance abusing mothers in child welfare: Timing matters

Ryan, J.P., Huang, H., and Marsh, J. – 2011

A summary of Illinois alcohol and drug treatment efforts for substance-affected families in the child welfare system. Notes large percentage of foster care cases with at least one parent in need of treatment. Lists Illinois AODA waiver project goals for families, and describes the use of recovery coaches in achieving these goals. Summarizes caregiver demographics and prior allegations of maltreatment, noting that the largest percentage of these involved substance-exposed infants. Also includes data on primary drugs of choice, treatment entry, and placement/living arrangements. In subsequent reports of maltreatment, substance-exposed infants was again the largest percentage. Describes importance of timely access to treatment. Discusses need to reduce time between temporary custody hearing and family reunification. Also notes importance of timely substance abuse screenings and juvenile court assessments.