Explored the impact of caregiver alcohol and other drugs (AOD) use on child protective services (CPS) case substantiation: cases with indications of AOD use were more likely to be substantiated than those without. Compared CPS-involved and non- involved women in AOD treatment; increasing numbers of children and younger maternal ages are risk…

Bridges gap between systems theory, clinical research and clinical practice to address patterns that prevent families with substance-abusing youth from entering treatment. Reviews developments in family systems thinking that provide foundation for working with hard-to-reach families, discusses specific family interactional patterns that present…

Synthesizes articles in this special issue, highlighting the increasing public policy response to connecting child welfare and substance abuse services that will simultaneously serve children and their families affected by substance abuse. Considers challenges faced by these cooperative efforts, including the need to improve administrative data,…

SafePort is a residential substance abuse treatment program within public housing to provide drug treatment to parenting women in Key West, Florida. All family members--women, children, and significant others--receive comprehensive assessments to determine appropriate therapeutic interventions. Preliminary evaluation findings suggest that women…

Describes the development, implementation, and replication of a group-based parenting program for families affected by substance abuse, called the Nurturing Program for Families in Substance Abuse Treatment and Recovery in Massachusetts. Highlights early evaluation results showing that the program improves parenting and enhances parents'…

In today's complicated world, it is difficult to raise healthy, safe, and drug-free children. The Portland Touchstone Project tries to address this challenge by improving the resiliency of at-risk youth. The program is described in this report. It is based on a model that attempts to strengthen families and increase safety, security, and stability…

The Portland Touchstone Project is a school-based integrated services program that focuses on alcohol and drug prevention by developing family strengths, by improving family relationships, and by enhancing the resiliency of at-risk youth. Information on project activities, guidelines for future development, and an evaluation of the program from…

This module is part of a training program for foster parents and foster care workers offered at Colorado State University. The module examines substance abuse by children aged 10 years and above. The module's learning objectives address: (1) family rules and coping mechanisms relevant to substance-abusing youth; (2) characteristics of adolescent…

Researchers surveyed 78 clients in drug abuse treatment facilities to determine their perceptions regarding factors related to their use and abuse of drugs. About 40% of the sample began using drugs between 11 and 15 years of age. Males tended to begin using drugs at an earlier age than did females. Over 90% of participants reported using drugs…