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Project Description

Services to Substance-Abusing Caretakers: Teams of CPS workers and Substance Abuse Outreach Specialists will provide services to families affected by maternal substance abuse. CPS staff will work with substance abusing mothers to identify temporary caregivers who can provide informal care for up to 60 days while the parent receives inpatient and/or residential substance abuse treatment. The objective is to increase the likelihood that mothers will complete treatment in a timely manner and avoid court-ordered placements.

Mothers may identify a relative or friend who can provide care in the child's home or near the mother's treatment facility. CPS workers will assess the appropriateness of temporary caregivers and conduct a criminal background check prior to approving the arrangement. Approved temporary caregivers will receive a payment not greater than the monthly foster care maintenance payment.

Major goals are to expedite family reunification, reduce the number of children entering formal foster care, and increase the number of mothers successfully completing substance abuse treatment.

Project duration: Jun 2000 - Dec 2005

Sites studied include West Virginia

Sample Characteristics and Sites Studied

Random assignment of children to experimental and control groups at a 1:1 ratio. Historical data suggest that approximately 150-200 children will be eligible to participate in this demonstration over the 5-year period.

Recent Findings in Brief

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