Caregiver Substance Use and Trauma Exposure in Young Children

Abstract

This study examines the differential experiences of three groups of children: children living in homes with caregivers who had used methamphetamine, those living in homes with caregivers who used other drugs, and those in homes where there was no evidence of caregiver substance misuse. A random sample of 1127 children was selected from the public child welfare log of open cases in fiscal year 2005-2006. Results indicate that caregiver methamphetamine use was a robust correlate of trauma exposure, with interpersonal violence being the most prevalent form of trauma exposure. Practice and policy implications are presented for a wide range of professionals working with these children.