Outcomes from a therapeutic community for homeless addicted mothers and their children.
A women's therapeutic community (TC) designed to prevent homelessness was evaluated using a quasi-experimental process. Propensity analysis selected comparable experimental (E) and comparison (C) participants. Significant improvements were found for the E group at the domain level, both in "psychological" dysfunction on symptoms (e.g., depression), and in "health," including ratings of health and adherence to medication regimens. No significant difference was found at the domain level for "parenting" or "housing stabilization," but specific outcomes did differ. For example, a greater number of children resided with the E group mothers who also assumed financial responsibility for more of their children.
Center for the Integration of Research and Practice, National Development & Research Institutes, Inc., New York City, NY 10024, USA. stansacks@mac.com
Stanley
S
Sacks
JoAnn Y
JY
Sacks
Karen
K
McKendrick
Frank S
FS
Pearson
Steve
S
Banks
Michael
M
Harle
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006703:Ill-Housed Persons; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D009035:Mothers; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D016487:Parenting; D010414:Pennsylvania; D012111:Residence Characteristics; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D013808:Therapeutic Community