The risk of child removal by child protective services among pregnant women in medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder

Abstract

ABSTRACT For parenting women with substance use disorders, enrolling in medication-assisted treatment often means being involved with child protective services. This study examines the impact of biopsychosocial factors on treatment outcomes for opioid-dependent pregnant women in methadone treatment, linking these outcomes with removal of a child by child protective services. This study evaluates factors associated with a client’s success in treatment, using adherence to treatment as a predictor to assess which factors led to any removal of the child from out-of-home care. Results indicated that biopsychosocial factors were correlated with treatment outcomes, particularly if the mother had a prior removal of a child due to a substantiated child abuse case. This research adds to our understanding of factors related to treatment outcomes for pregnant women and informs treatment delivery models that effectively address the complex needs of this vulnerable population.