Hope for substance-dependent mothers with young children
An innovative research project designed to break the destructive cycle of substance dependence among women with young children was launched at UTS this week.
Leaders of the research project say that a new approach is necessary to focus on integrating parent and child-sensitive practice with mainstream rehabilitation. This is due to the close association between substance dependence, mental illness, trauma, deprivation and family break-up through generations.
The research team says substance-dependent mothers with young children are falling through the cracks in traditional government and community services. The result is often loss of their children and despair.
Stage one of the research project, undertaken by the UTS Centre for Research in Learning and Change in collaboration with Kathleen York House in Glebe and Tresillian Family Care Centres in NSW, has been launched with the premiere of a DVD titled 'Partners in Hope'.
Director of the Centre for Learning and Change, Professor Alison Lee, said that the DVD "does not present a pretty picture, but it does present pictures of hope by identifying a better way to support and rehabilitate these women and help them rebuild their lives and their families."
The DVD, produced with support from The Rotary Club of Drummoyne, features interviews with health experts and three women who speak about their experiences of substance dependency and treatment.
Professor Lee said, "the video highlights the victimisation, neglect, deprivation and mental illness that women with substance dependence typically suffer, which frequently results in loss of their children.
"Yet, the interviews also show the success of a program run by a Sydney-based long-term residential rehabilitation facility which has benefited these women," she said.
The DVD is designed to raise awareness of the limitations of current systems for dealing with substance dependence among women with young children and to illustrate the effectiveness of individualised support and high-level professional care.
The first stage of the research project is a pilot study of an integrated program that combines parenting support as well as alcohol and other drug treatments.
"One of the barriers to rehabilitation of women with substance dependence is that many do not seek help for fear of losing their children. And that risk is real if they seek mainstream rehabilitation," Professor Lee said.
"In short, there's a better way to help women and their families make a new start. The research aims to identify and promote innovation in the design and delivery of the most appropriate programs and services for these vulnerable families.
"It will explore innovative programs that comprehensively address the complex problems through simultaneously paying attention to parenting, mental and physical health, legal advocacy, and housing needs, as well as alcohol and other drug treatment," she said.
Provided by University of Technology, Sydney
