A comparison of pregnant women presenting for alcohol and other drug treatment by CPS status.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to describe the demographic, substance use, and treatment variables of alcohol and other drug (AOD) treatment seeking pregnant women. This study also compared women on these variables based on Child Protective Service (CPS) status.


METHODS
Secondary data of all pregnant women with at least one child entering all publicly funded AOD treatment programs (N=678), in a southwest county, over a 3-year period were analyzed to examine the differences between pregnant women also involved with CPS and those not involved with CPS.


RESULTS
Pregnant women reporting CPS involvement were similar to non-CPS women on demographic variables but differed on drug use and treatment variables. CPS women were more likely to report marijuana use as their primary problem drug, be mandated to treatment, attend day treatment and be released from treatment unsatisfactorily compared to the non-CPS pregnant women. Those without CPS involvement were more likely to report cocaine or crack as their primary drug, attend outpatient treatment and be found to have a satisfactory release from treatment compared to those with CPS involvement. Results from the multiple logistic regression analysis found that the significant predictors of CPS involvement were mandated status and unsatisfactory treatment release.


CONCLUSIONS
Differences in treatment outcomes may be based on AOD agencies' difficulty in working with mandated clients and/or with the multiple demands placed by CPS on clients as part of their treatment plans. Further research is needed to determine reasons for CPS clients' high failure rates in AOD treatment.
Hohman
Melinda M
MM
Center on Substance Abuse, School of Social Work, San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA 92182-4119, USA.
Shillington
Audrey M
AM
Baxter
Heather Grigg
HG
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D002140:California / Q000453:epidemiology; D002648:Child; D002649:Child Abuse; D002655:Child Custody / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D003631:Day Care, Medical / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D005544:Forecasting; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D016015:Logistic Models; D010349:Patient Compliance; D011247:Pregnancy; D037841:Pregnant People / Q000523:psychology*; D016320:Substance Abuse Treatment Centers / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000534:rehabilitation*