100735: Exploring the Experiences and Treatment of Addicted, Incarcerated Parents

About the Course:

This is a two article course. (Article 1: Breaking Through the Bars: Exploring the Experiences of Addicted Incarcerated Parents Whose Children Are Cared for by Relatives ) Researchers conducted a series of open-ended, semi-structured interviews with 25 incarcerated men and women who received substance abuse treatment while their children were being cared for by relatives. Research questions were developed on the basis of gaps in knowledge identified in the available data on addicted incarcerated parents whose children are in kinship care. Respondents in the study were asked questions designed to explore issues such as parent-child bonding, relationships with caregivers, and the impact of drug abuse and incarceration on the family. Results of this study indicate that there is a need for a multidisciplinary, wraparound approach to designing services for affected parents, children, and caregivers. (Article 2 : Pregnant, Substance-Abusing, and Incarcerated: Exploratory Study of a Comprehensive Approach to Treatment ) Interventions addressing the multiple needs of incarcerated women are rare. In this study, several measures were used to assess functional changes among pregnant, substance-dependent, incarcerated women transferred to a community-based residential treatment program that allowed their infants to reside with them. Women engaged in comprehensive therapeutic and skill-building activities for 6 to 9 months. The program’s goal was to assist women in childbirth and in the continuing relationship with their child while improving psychological and social functioning. Examination of changes were limited to those who completed treatment and all measures (n = 27). Although significant improvements were noted, nearly half were discharged with symptoms indicative of a depressive disorder. Assessment of long-term outcomes comparing this group with pregnant women who remained in prison is under way. COURSE SYLLABUS See Course Descriptions above.

Publication Date:

2004 /Vol. 85, No. 2

Authors

Aaron Smith, PhD, LCSW; Kerry Krinsman, MSW; Sherry Pimlott-Kubiak, PhD; Amy Young, PhD; Kristine Siefert, PhD; Abigail Stewart, PhD; Anne L. Stozier, PhD, MSW

About the Authors:

(Article 1) School of Social Work University of South Florida

(Article 1) Univ. of North Carolina

(Article 2) Wayne State University

(Article 2) Univ of Michigan Substance Abuse Research Center

(Article 2) University of Michigan

(Article 2) University of Michigan

(Article 1) School of Social Work University of South Florida

Recommended For:

This course is recommended for social workers, counselors, psychologists, and other human services and behavioral health professionals who seek knowledge about incarceration and substance abuse. It is appropriate for participants with intermediate to advanced levels of knowledge about the topic.

Course Objectives:

1. Identify the needs of these parents, children, and caregivers and describe interventions that may be helpful.

2. Describe the perceptions of addicted, incarcerated parents whose children are in kinship care, as well as the children’s perceptions.

3. Describe the results of a comprehensive alternative to prison for women who are pregnant, incarcerated and have had an alcohol and or/substance disorder.

4. Identify characteristics, circumstances, and challenges of women who are pregnant, substance abusing, and incarcerated.