Substance-Abusing Women and Their Children: A Cost-Effective Treatment Option to Incarceration

Abstract

Low-level drug offenses are presently the top reason women are sent to jail. Because more than 70% of these incarcerated women are the primary caretakers of children, incarceration has resulted in a sharp rise in foster care demand. Research suggests that incarcerated women who remain with their children are more likely to enter and complete treatment. This paper reviews the effects of incarceration and the available treatment options for substance-abusing women with children. A self-supported, self-run, alternative treatment model known as Oxford Lucia d'Arlach and Carmen E. Curtis were affiliated with Department of Psychology, DePaul University at the time of submission of the manuscript.

Should drinking during pregnancy be criminalised to prevent fetal alcohol spectrum disorder?

“…[38] However, there are reportedly few 818 Grade 1 schoolchildren Combined FAS and PFAS prevalence of 68.0 -89.2/1 000 [13] 857 Grade 1 schoolchildren FAS prevalence of 65.2 -74.2/1 000 [6] Grade 1 schoolchildren FAS rate of 40.5 -46.4/1 000 [14] Gauteng Combined FAS and PFAS prevalence of 119/1 000 [5] Upington Grade 1 schoolchildren at 15 schools Combined FAS and PFAS prevalence of 74.4/1 000 [5] public sector alcohol and other drug abuse treatment facilities available in SA. [39] Punishing women for failing to seek treatment that may actu ally not be available would therefore be unjust.…”

“…[39] Punishing women for failing to seek treatment that may actu ally not be available would therefore be unjust. Moreover, prisons are often inadequately equipped to provide for the specialised needs of pregnant women and children, [38] and there are concerns about the mental and emotional effects of children growing up in prisons.…”

“…The threat of criminal prosecution can negatively impact on efforts to prevent FASD, in that it can have the effect of undermining efforts to encourage women to seek treatment for alcohol abuse or addiction [38] and prenatal care, which greatly reduces the adverse effects of abuse during pregnancy. [42] Additionally, they may feel compelled to terminate their pregnancy (which is lawful in SA) rather than continue and face criminal prosecution.…”

Relationship Themes Present between Parents and Children in Recovery Homes

“…Parents who experience addiction, especially those who have been convicted of felony offenses, frequently have difficulty securing affordable housing and gainful employment, which perpetuates a vicious cycle of poverty and relapse (Jason, Olson, Foli, 2008). Unstable housing and employment may also affect parents’ ability to maintain child custody while struggling with addiction or being able to sufficiently provide for a family (d’Arlach, Curtis, Ferrari, Olson, & Jason, 2006). …”

“…Another novel feature of some OHs is the capacity to allow children to live in these settings with their parents (d’Arlach, Curtis, et al, 2006). Ortiz, Alvarez, Jason, Ferrari, and Groh (2009) compared the characteristics of individuals living in OHs with and without children and concluded that women in OHs who care for children may require additional resources and assistance compared to men.…”