Rockville, Md., Oct. 22, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Substance use disorders can destabilize families and potentially lead to long-term negative consequences for children. However, recovery and family reunification programs that provide one-on-one support may offer promising models for improving outcomes both for parents and guardians in treatment and their children.
To learn more, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Children and Families, Office of Planning, Research and Evaluation will work with Abt Associates to prepare for a rigorous impact evaluation of recovery coaching and its effects on child welfare. The project is a response to the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act of 2018, and Abt will partner with Dr. Joseph Ryan at the University of Michigan School of Social Work and Faces and Voices of Recovery.
The goals of the Expanding Evidence on Replicable Recovery and Reunification Interventions for Families project are to:
- Compile and disseminate to the field current evidence on interventions that use a recovery coaching model in child welfare.
- Determine the feasibility of conducting an impact evaluation of one or more promising intervention models by assessing the readiness of sites to participate in such an evaluation.
“We’re combining our expertise in substance use disorders, children, youth and families and rigorous evaluation to help expand what is known about recovery coaching for families facing substance use issues,” noted Abt’s Project Director Kimberly Francis, Ph.D. “We hope that our multidisciplinary approach to exploring this innovative strategy will build evidence and ultimately support those working toward improving the safety and well-being of children and youth affected by addiction.”
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About Abt Associates
Abt Associates is an engine for social impact, dedicated to moving people from vulnerability to security. Harnessing the power of data and our experts’ insights, we provide research, consulting and technical services globally in the areas of health, environmental and social policy, technology and international development. http://www.abtassociates.com