NCJ Number
192235
Journal
Children's Voice Volume: 10 Issue: 5 Dated: September 2001 Pages: 36-38,40-41,42
Date Published
September 2001
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This article examines the tragic linkage between substance abuse and child maltreatment and the impact on child welfare in caring for children in substance-abusing families.
Abstract
Child abuse and neglect and substance abuse have been recognized as undeniably intertwined. According to prior studies, States identified substance abuse as the problem most frequently exhibited by families reported to child protective service agencies for maltreatment. This linkage has had a significant impact on child welfare. In addition to child maltreatment, an intergenerational problem develops in that children of alcoholics are four times more likely than children of non-alcoholics to develop alcoholism problems. The need is apparent that abused and neglected children and their substance-abusing parents require effective treatment. However, the lack of adequate comprehensive treatment is a major barrier to breaking the cycle of addiction and abuse. The development of more resources and new partnerships between child welfare and abuse of alcohol and other drugs agencies, the courts, community leaders, and family members is necessary. Legislation was introduced in Congress in 2001 to address the additional resources and partnerships through the Child Protection/Alcohol and Drug Partnership Act. This legislation would provide funding to States to promote safety and permanence for children and recovery for their parents. The result of collaborative efforts helps communities build quality, capacity, and resources to protect children.