Abstract
Substance abuse and child maltreatment have been recognized as co-morbid problems encountered in families presenting in the child protective services (CPS) system. Nonetheless, utilization rates of substance abuse treatment services have generally lagged well behind what the research would suggest are prevalence rates for substance abuse disorders in this population, suggesting problems in recognition and referral practices among CPS workers. In response to this, 25 training programs were funded by the National Center on Child Abuse and Neglect. This study reports data from one program. Trainees indicated a high level of satisfaction and demonstrated significant knowledge gains. More importantly, utilization of substance abuse services increased significantly across time in a multi-county region receiving training relative to a comparison region receiving none. The gain was limited, suggesting that while increased knowledge may translate into increased service utilization, additional barriers to accessing needed services must also be addressed.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Besharov, D. J. (1989). The children of crack: Will we protect them? Public Welfare, 2, 6–11.
Chaffin, M., Kelleher, K., & Hollenberg, J. (1994, January).Onset of physical abuse and neglect: Mental health risk factors from prospective community data. Paper presented at the San Diego Conference on Responding to Child Maltreatment, San Diego, CA.
DePanfilis, D., & Zuravin, S. (1994, January).Maternal use of alcohol and other drugs among child protective services clients. Paper presented at the San Diego Conference on Responding to Child Maltreatment.
Famularo, R., Kinscherff, R., Spivak, G., Bunshaft, D., & Fenton, T. (1989). Parental compliance to court ordered treatment interventions in cases of child maltreatment.Child Abuse and Neglect, 13, 507–514.
Famularo, R., Spivak, G., Bunshaft, D., & Berkson, J. (1988). Advisability of substance abuse testing in parents who severely maltreat their children: The issue of drug testing before the juvenile/family courts.Bulletin of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law, 16, 217–222.
Gelles, R. (1993). Alcohol and drugs are associated with violence — They are not its cause. In R. Gelles & D. Loseke (Eds.),Current controversies on family violence (pp. 182–196). Newbury Park, CA: Sage.
Kelleher, K., Chaffin, M., Hollenberg, J., & Fisher, E. (in press). Alcohol and drug disorders among physically abusive and neglectful parents in a community sample.American Journal of Public Health.
Kinscherff, R., & Kelley, S. (1991). Substance abuse: Intervention with substance abusing families.The APSAC Advisor, 4(3), 3–5.
Murphy, J. M., Jellinek, M., Quinn, D., Smith, G., Poitrast, F. G., & Goshko, M. (1991). Substance abuse and serious child mistreatment: Prevalence, risk and outcome in a court sample.Child Abuse and Neglect, 15, 197–211.
National Committee for Prevention of Child Abuse, (1989, October).Memorandum, 332 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, Ill.
National Committee for Prevention of Child Abuse (1990, April).Memorandum, 332 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, Ill.
United States Department of Health and Human Services. (1991). Emergency Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Services Program Notice.Federal Register, July 11, 1991.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Chaffin, M., Kelleher, K., Harber, G. et al. Impact of substance abuse and child maltreatment training on service utilization in a rural setting. J Child Fam Stud 3, 379–387 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02233997
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02233997