Evaluating the Effectiveness of Family Preservation Services for the Families of Drug-Exposed Infants: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Twenty-seven families of drug-exposed infants were followed during their participation in a community-based program designed to enhance child well-being and prevent out-of-home placement. The program consisted of multiple components including social work home visits, nursing services, early childhood education, support groups, and parent/child interaction groups. Results indicated that the program was partially successful. In particular, participation in the support groups and the parent/child interaction groups was associated with successful child placement outcome. The implications for social work practice are discussed in light of the parents' own perceptions of the program.