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Methadone for Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) treatment is only dispensed at Opioid Treatment Programs (OTPs). Little is known about the geographic variation in OTP availability and community characteristics associated with the availability across smaller geographic communities in the U.S. To (1) describe geographic distribution of OTPs and (2) examine OTP availability by community characteristics in the contiguous U.S. at Zip Code Area Tabulation (ZCTA) level. Logistic regression was used to examine community characteristics associated with OTP availability (N = 30,367). Chi-square and t-tests were conducted to examine statistically significant differences in OTP availability. Maps and descriptive statistics were used to examine geographic variation in OTP availability. Only 5% (1,417) of ZCTAs had at least one OTP for a total of 1,682 OTPs. Rural ZCTAs had 50% lower odds of having an OTP compared to urban ZCTAs [AOR 0.5; (95% CI: 0.41–0.60)]. ZCTAs in the lowest income quartile had higher odds of having an OTP compared to ZCTAs in the highest income quartile [AOR 3.4; (95% CI: 2.71–4.18)]. Further, ZCTAs with OTPs had a higher proportion of minority residents [Black: 17.5% vs. 7.2%; Hispanic: 19.2% vs. 9%] and a lower proportion of White residents [55.1% vs. 78.2%]. Nationally, OTPs are extremely scarce with notable regional and urban-rural disparities. Potential solutions to address these disparities are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maternal depression, substance dependence, and the comorbidity of these conditions are highly prevalent risk factors among families involved with Child Protective Services (CPS). Data from the National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-Being I (NSCAW I) were analyzed to examine the influence of maternal substance dependence, depression, and comorbidity on parenting and child behavior over 36-months among children reported to CPS who remained in the home at all waves. Although neglect and child behavior problems were highest for mothers with comorbidity at baseline, mothers with substance dependence had the poorest self-reported parenting and child behavior problems over time. Results indicate a need for intensive targeted services to address the complex needs of CPS-involved mothers with substance dependence and their in-home children., Author(s): Kristen D. Seay[sup.1] , Patricia L. Kohl[sup.2] Author Affiliations: (1) College of Social Work, DeSaussure College, University of South Carolina, 29208, Columbia, SC, USA (2) George Warren Brown School [...]

Children in foster care face disproportionate rates of biopsychosocial challenges but social and extracurricular activities (SEAs) may support their healthy development. The Reasonable and Prudent Parenting Standard (RPPS), a 2014 federal policy, aims to increase access to these opportunities for children in foster care. Analyses of statutes from 50 US states and the District of Columbia (n = 51) revealed similarities and differences in state-level RPPS policy implementation. Building on these findings, researchers conducted semi-structured retrospective telephone interviews with foster parents across one southeastern state (n = 20) to identify local retrospective perspectives on RPPS implementation. Using thematic inductive coding two unique themes emerged about SEAs prior to RPPS: 1) negative social impacts and 2) complicated activity approval processes. Three unique themes emerged after RPPS: 1) empowerment, 2) implementation disparities and 3) resource recommendations. Policy implications include the need to support foster parents by increasing resources (funding, transportation, access), clarifying liability and clarifying motivation expectations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using a national sample of American families investigated for child maltreatment, this article compares parental self-report on the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test and Drug Abuse Screening Test measures to caseworker report of problematic alcohol and drug use at investigation. Data in this article are from child welfare caseworkers and a subset of parents surveyed in the National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-Being II—primary caregivers (most often the biological mother) whose child remained in the home following investigation (n = 4,009). Caseworkers identified problematic alcohol use in only 17.7% of the parents who self-reported problematic alcohol use and problematic drug use in 37.6% of the parents who self-reported problematic drug use. Sensitivity and specificity for the detection of problematic alcohol use were 21.5% and 94.8%, respectively, and 65.3% and 83.7% for problematic drug use, respectively. After controlling for the other variables in the model, an allegation of substance use reduced the odds of caseworker detection of problematic alcohol use being consistent with parent self-report (odds ratio [ OR ] = 0.45, p <.01) and the odds of caseworker detection of problematic drug use being consistent with parent self-report (OR = 0.13, p <.001). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Children with developmental disabilities are at heightened risk for maltreatment. However, little is known regarding the prevalence of maltreatment among specific groups, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and/or intellectual disability (ID). Information about maltreatment in these groups can aid in the development of supports and prevention strategies for vulnerable children and their families. Methods: Using record linkage between the Department of Social Services (DSS) and the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) network, this study compares the prevalence and characteristics of maltreatment among children with ASD‐only (n = 316), ASD and comorbid ID (ASD+ID; n = 291), ID‐only (n = 1,280), and controls (n = 3,101). Behavioral correlates of maltreatment are examined. Results: Controlling for demographic factors, this study found significantly higher odds of reported and substantiated maltreatment among children with ASD‐only (odds ratio = 1.86 for reported, 1.51 for substantiated), ASD+ID (odds ratio = 2.35 for reported, 1.97 for substantiated), and ID‐only (odds ratio = 2.45 for reported, 2.49 for substantiated) relative to a population control group, with large effects. In particular, children with ASD+ID and ID‐only were between two and three times more likely to experience maltreatment. All groups were more likely to experience physical neglect, and children in the ASD+ID and ID‐only groups were more likely to experience all forms of abuse. Children in the ASD‐only group were more likely to experience physical abuse. Maltreated children in the ASD‐only and ID‐only groups experienced more cases of physical abuse and neglect, and were victimized by more perpetrators compared to other maltreated youth. Maltreatment was associated with higher likelihood of aggression, hyperactivity, and tantrums for children with ASD. Conclusions: Children with ASD and/or ID are at heightened risk for maltreatment. Empirically‐supported assessment and intervention approaches for identifying and addressing traumatic stress related to maltreatment in ASD are urgently needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dear Editor: Wilson and Widom's (2010) article titled 'Predictors of Drug-Use Patterns in Maltreated Children and Matched Controls Followed Up Into Middle Adulthood,' featured in the November issue of the [...]

Substance use disorders (SUDs) are a public health issue as well as a significant psychosocial barrier resulting in chronic kidney disease outcomes such as mortality and morbidity. Nephrology social workers need a general understanding of SUDs, SUD issues pertinent to patients with kidney disease, and best practices for working with such patients and their family members. This article provides an overview of SUDs, details SUD-related conditions in kidney disease populations, discusses implications for nephrology social work practice, and makes recommendations for such care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Positive Parenting Program, Triple P, is an evidence-based parenting program with strong empirical support that increases parenting skills and decreases child behavior problems. Few studies on Triple P include fathers or African American fathers. This study was undertaken to determine if adaptation to Triple P level 4 is necessary to ensure fit with urban African American fathers. Qualitative focus groups and interviews were conducted with African American fathers. Some received a brief overview of the program before giving feedback (series A) and others received the entire intervention (series B). Inductive thematic analysis was used to analyze transcripts and codebooks were developed through an iterative process. Series B fathers had fewer negative perceptions and a more detailed perspective. Limited exposure to an intervention may cause participants to provide inaccurate data on intervention acceptability. The fathers' initial perceptions of interventions, regardless of accuracy, will affect recruitment and engagement and must be addressed. One strategy is to tailor program examples and language to reflect the experiences of African American fathers.