Systematic Review of Community- and Home-Based Interventions to Support Parenting and Reduce Risk of Child Maltreatment Among Families With Substance-Exposed Newborns

Abstract

Substance-exposed newborns (SENs) are at increased risk of child maltreatment, out-of-home placement, and poor health and developmental outcomes. The purpose of this systematic review is to synthesize existing research on community- and home-based interventions designed to improve parenting and reduce risk of maltreatment for families with SENs, applying a program logic framework. The review includes studies that used preexperimental, quasi-experimental, and experimental designs. Twelve interventions were identified. Of the nine studies that used more rigorous experimental or quasi-experimental designs, five showed positive effects on at least one parenting or child maltreatment outcome, although some studies showed high risk of bias. Full coherence among the intended participants, theory of change, and program components was observed for only two interventions. The findings suggest a need for more rigorous research to develop and test interventions that are grounded in theory and prior research and that address the unique needs of families with SENs.

Data-informed recommendations for services providers working with vulnerable children and families during the COVID-19 pandemic

“… Empower Communities . Communities are the mechanism that can care for children and families long-term ( West et al, 2020 ). As NGOs are limited in what services they can provide, strengthening community resources and networks to enhance response to the pandemic and associated restrictions encourages a framework that can safeguard children and support families now and in the future.…”

Neighbourhood collective efficacy and protective effects on child maltreatment: A systematic literature review

“…It is essential to acknowledge that this was not a predetermined criterion, instead, this was the evidence remaining after a detailed screening process. In line with published systematic reviews within this field (Coulton et al., 2007; van Dijken, Stams, & de Winter, 2016; West et al., 2019), the database search was limited to four databases in addition to specific journal search. It is important to acknowledge that though an exhaustive search was performed, it is possible to miss out on a few articles in other databases.…”

Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act, family care plans and infants with prenatal substance exposure: Theoretical framework and directions for future research

“…Thus, while substance use treatment is certainly paramount for improving health and safety for mothers and babies with PSE, prior research has shown that substance use treatment alone for these families is insufficient in reducing the risk of child maltreatment. To ensure safety, other family needs must be addressed, such as specialized parenting support integrated into substance use services (Marsh, Smith, & Bruni, 2011; West et al, 2020). Moreover, while pregnancy is a temporary period of a birthing woman's life, neuroscience research has demonstrated that addiction is a chronic medical condition characterized by relapse; therefore, comprehensive services should ideally occur throughout the life course, in addition to preconception, pregnancy, and postpartum periods among families affected by SUD (Faherty, Stein, & Terplan, 2020; Marsh et al, 2011).…”

“…Finally, reflected in CAPTA's interdisciplinary, public health approach to family care planning, research suggests that one‐size‐fits‐all approaches are ineffective in addressing the unique and multiple risk factors often associated with newborns affected by PSE, such as excessive crying or maternal isolation (West et al, 2020). A growing body of literature points to the importance of utilizing evidence‐based interventions that are both developmentally and trauma informed, including the use of attachment‐based approaches addressing caregiving skills (Suchman, 2016; West et al, 2020).…”