NCJ Number
225311
Journal
Child Abuse and Neglect Volume: 32 Issue: 11 Dated: November 2008 Pages: 1072-1079
Date Published
November 2008
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This study evaluated an intervention to improve child welfare and substance abuse outcomes.
Abstract
The findings indicate that integrated and comprehensive approaches are necessary for addressing the needs of families involved in child protection. Data revealed that 16 percent of all mothers enrolled in the Illinois Title IV-E Waiver Demonstration were associated with at least one new substantiated substance exposed infant (SEI). Findings also indicate that the risk of subsequent SEIs can be significantly reduced with the use of a recovery coach. Fifteen percent of mothers in the experimental group were associated with a subsequent SEI as compared with 21 percent of mothers in the control group. Previous studies indicate that recovery coaches increase access to substance abuse services and increase the likelihood of achieving family reunification. Moreover, although the recovery coach model requires additional upfront investment, the recovery coach model is beneficial in part because of the reduced placement costs. As of September 30, 2005, the recovery coach model saved the State of Illinois approximately $5.5 million. This study extends this work and documents the effectiveness of this model with regard to a substance abuse related outcome. Data were collected from 931 substance abusing women enrolled in a Title IV-E Waiver Demonstration; women in the experimental group (n=670) received traditional services plus the services of a recovery coach. Tables, figure, and references