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Parents with co-occurring mental health and substance abuse conditions involved in child protection services: clinical profile and treatment needs
- Authors:
- STROMWALL Layne K., et al
- Journal article citation:
- Child Welfare Journal, 87(3), 2008, pp.95-113.
- Publisher:
- Child Welfare League of America
Estimates from national studies suggest that 50 to 80% of all confirmed neglect and maltreatment cases in the Unites States involve parental substance misuse. Addiction treatment is now standard protocol for parents to maintain or regain custody of their children and avoid termination of parental rights. However, less attention has been given to cases where there is a co-occurring mental health problem alongside substance misuse. This exploratory study, based in a South-western state, investigates that prevalence of co-occurring mental health conditions among 71 parents with substance misuse conditions involved in a child dependency court. Results showed that 59% of the parents had a co-occurring mental health problem, and parents with co-occurring conditions (PWCC) differed in several important ways from those with only substance abuse conditions. PWCC were significantly more likely to have had a previous family court history, report a lifetime history of substance misuse treatment, a lifetime experience of anxiety or tension, and a history of sexual abuse. PWCC were also more likely than their case managers to report a need for mental health treatment. The authors emphasise integrated treatments as necessity for correctly identifying and treating PWCC.
Identifying and reducing barriers to reunification for seriously mentally ill parents involved in child welfare cases
- Authors:
- RISLEY-CURTISS Christina, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Families in Society, 85(1), January 2004, pp.107-118.
- Publisher:
- The Alliance for Children and Families
Forming judgments about parenting capacity, a necessary part of permanency planning, is much more difficult when the parent has a serious mental illness. The time necessary for effective treatment for such parents is often longer than the court-ordered time limit for family reunification. This puts mentally ill parents at a distinct disadvantage in their efforts to preserve their families. Using Arizona as an example, this article discusses the barriers in both child welfare and mental health systems to accurate and effective assessment and treatment. It presents recommendations for research and suggestions for child welfare personnel to enhance the potential for mentally ill parents to reunify with their children.
Growing up with a parent who has chronic mental illness: one child's perspective
- Author:
- HINDLE Debbie
- Journal article citation:
- Child and Family Social Work, 3(4), November 1998, pp.259-266.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Describes a growing understanding of one adolescent boy's experience of living with a parent with a chronic mental illness. Illustrates the problems for the 'not-noticed child', his relationships with others, and his development in adolescence. Highlights the need for professionals to focus on interactive processes within the family and in the professional network, and the importance of collaborative work.
What became of the children?
- Author:
- SOLHEIM Inge Johanne
- Journal article citation:
- Nordisk Sosialt Arbeid, 16(4), 1996, pp.243-252.
- Publisher:
- Universitetsforlaget AS
Research shows a clear connection between mental suffering in adults, their parental role, and the development of their children. A study of two therapists' understanding of the problems reveals two patterns: one in which the children are a part of the understanding and one where they are not. In the first pattern, which is seen in not the majority of cases, the therapists are concerned with the patient's parental role. Children are not thematized, and there is little cooperation with institutions which have children as the target group. In the other pattern, children and the parental role are thematized. These therapists are usually women who feel a close empathy with having children. They find it painful to see children in a difficult situation. The article indicates the need to develop knowledge including a gender-specific understanding and the development of methods which thematize the parental role and children.