Yoon, S., Ploss, A., Hutzel, M., Webb, R., Hatfield, A., Lee, J. Y., Munshi, A., Radney, A., & McClellan, J. (2024). Parenting attitudes and behaviors among parents involved with the child welfare system and affected by substance use disorders. Child abuse & neglect, 149, 106657. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chiabu.2024.106657

Substance use among parents is a complex issue that poses serious issues including child maltreatment. Parents affected by substance use disorder (SUD) and involved in child welfare systems may experience difficulties in creating a safe and nurturing environment for their children due to substance use and multiple challenges they face, such as poverty, limited access to resources, and other systemic inequities and barriers. Parental substance use has been linked to less optimal parenting and child welfare outcomes, such as parentification, corporal punishment, child maltreatment, extended durations in out-of-home placements, and lower rates of family reunification. The implementation of the Sobriety Treatment and Recovery Teams (START) model in Ohio has allowed parents with at least one minor child to engage in SUD treatment services. START has successfully shown to improve rates of family reunification and reduce rates of child neglect while also helping parents reduce substance use.

Telephone surveys and qualitative interviews were utilized to explore parents’ perceptions of their parenting attitudes before and after participation in Ohio START (Sobriety, Treatment and Reducing Trauma). The survey data found that parenting attitudes towards appropriate family roles, parents’ level of proper expectations of children, and acknowledgment of children’s power and independence improved on their post-test. Qualitative interviews revealed themes including being present for children, engaging in activities with children, enjoyment in providing care to children, maintaining employment for financial stability, emotional regulation, stress management, and a sense of pride. Parents reported being involved in new activities with their children following participation in Ohio START. Findings from the study indicate positive changes in parenting attitudes and practices among parents who participate in Ohio START.