Residential treatment for drug addicted women and their children: Effective treatment strategies

SUMMARY Concern regarding the health of female drug users and the well being of her children or fetus have prompted researchers and service providers to look for effective treatment strategies for this population. This study examined the differential effectiveness of providing residential treatment for drug using women and their children with residential treatment for women alone (with child housing and care provided elsewhere). Results of the study indicated that the women who were assigned to have their children live with them in treatment reported better outcomes six months after discharge from the program compared to those who did not have their children with them in treatment. A greater percentage of the women who had their children live with them reported abstaining from alcohol and drugs, being employed, having custody of their children, not being arrested or incarcerated and being involved in aftercare or support groups. Implications of the research findings are discussed.