Parental substance abuse and child maltreatment: Review and implications for intervention

Abstract

This paper reviews the link between the incidence of child abuse and neglect and parental substance abuse. Parenting and women-specific components are needed in existing drug abuse treatment programs. In addition, parenting and pregnant women who are substance abusers can benefit from comprehensive, family-centered treatment services where recovery is addressed in the context of total family needs. The paper reviews selected family preservation programs and family-oriented drug abuse treatment programs and presents preliminary findings from the authors' ongoing outcome evaluation of New York City's Family Rehabilitation Program.