African American Caregivers and Substance Abuse in Child Welfare: Identification of Multiple Risk Profiles

• NCJ Number: 240503
• Journal: Journal of Family Violence Volume: 27 Issue: 5 Dated: July 2012 Pages: 415-426
• Author(s): Eusebius Small; Patricia L. Kohl
• Date Published: July 2012
• Length: 12 pages
• Grant Number(s): R03MH082203; 5P30 MH068579; R25 MH080916-01A2
• Sponsoring Agency: National Institute of Mental Health
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study examined the typology of African American caregivers with substance abuse problems in the child welfare system.

Abstract

Despite the strong correlation between caregiver substance abuse and child maltreatment, little information exists to understand the typology of African-American caregivers with substance abuse problems in the child welfare system. Research shows African-American caregivers contend with multiple problems stemming from substance abuse. Unfortunately, the authors do not yet know how to best tailor resources to be responsive to varying groups of African-American caregivers. Using data from the National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-being (NSCAW), this investigation tested for distinct multivariate profiles among a subset of African American caregivers with substance abuse problems (n=258). Latent Class Analysis (LCA) was used to classify caregivers, and five classes were identified among this high risk sampleeach with distinct risk profiles. Based on these findings, the authors discuss implications for tailored practices to enhance the safety and stability of children involved with child welfare. Abstract published by arrangement with Springer.