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

NCJ Number
219477
Journal
Journal of Social Work Practice in the Addictions Volume: 6 Issue: 4 Dated: 2006 Pages: 71-90
Author(s)
Lucia d'Arlach; Carmen E. Curtis; Joseph R. Ferrari; Bradley D. Olson; Leonard A. Jason
Date Published
2006
Length
20 pages
Annotation
This article reviews the impact of incarceration and the available treatment options for substance-abusing women with children.
Abstract
Current research literature indicates that most women are incarcerated for low-level drug offenses. A full 70 percent of these women are primary caregivers of children, who must be placed in foster care arrangements during their incarceration. Current research literature also indicates that incarcerated women who are allowed to remain with their children are more likely to enter and complete treatment. However, programs that are most effective for these women--programs that allow recovering mothers to reside with their children--are particularly expensive. The authors suggest that the Oxford House model may be an affordable and effective option that strikes a balance between intensive treatment programs and total independent living situations. Oxford Houses are residential treatment homes that have three main rules: (1) maintain abstinence; (2) pay an equal share of the rent; and (3) avoid disruptive behavior. The houses offer a safe, supportive environment for those recovering from addictions. They are self-run and operate without a paid staff. The authors suggest that women living in Oxford Houses have the optimal chance for long-term recovery because they are allowed to live with their children in a safe, supportive environment that encourages self-sufficiency and positive living skills. Future research should focus on the effectiveness of Oxford Houses for women and women with children as a model for aftercare compared to more traditional programs. Grassroots efforts have resulted in over 950 Oxford Houses across the United States and several in Australia. References