Research project The intersection of parental alcohol use disorders and child welfare
The research project “The intersection of parental alcohol use disorders and child welfare” aims to increase knowledge about children with parents with alcohol dependence.
Parents with alcohol dependence are disproportionately represented in the child welfare system and often find it difficult to provide adequate care, often resulting in their children being placed in out-of-home care (OHC). Despite this, the role of parental alcohol dependence in increasing the risk of placement, in particular the role of psychiatric co-morbidity and socio-economic factors, remains under-researched. In addition, the effects of out-of-home care on the health and well-being of parents with alcohol problems have not been extensively studied.
This project aims to fill these knowledge gaps by examining how comorbid psychiatric disorders and socioeconomic challenges interact with alcohol problems to increase the risk of child placement in PUH, and by examining the effects of OHC placements on parents with alcohol dependence.
Project description
Parents with alcohol dependence are disproportionately represented in the child welfare system and often find it difficult to provide adequate care, often resulting in their children being placed in out-of-home care (OHC). Despite this, the role of parental alcohol dependence in increasing the risk of placement, in particular the role of psychiatric co-morbidity and socio-economic factors, remains under-researched. In addition, the effects of out-of-home care on the health and well-being of parents with alcohol problems have not been extensively studied.
This project aims to fill these knowledge gaps by addressing two main objectives.
Firstly, it will examine how comorbid psychiatric disorders and socioeconomic challenges interact with alcohol problems to increase the risk of placement of children in OHC. Through decision tree analysis, we will identify key predictors of placement of children in families affected by alcohol dependence, providing a nuanced understanding of the various contributing factors.
Secondly, the project will examine the effects of PUH placements on parents with alcohol dependence, specifically assessing how the removal of children affects their mental health, substance use and overall well-being. Using a difference-in-differences analysis approach, we will evaluate whether the removal of children leads to improvements or further deterioration for these parents and how these changes affect the prospects for family reunification.
The results will provide valuable insights into the reasons behind child placements and their consequences for parents with alcohol dependence. This will be crucial for the design of targeted social policies and interventions that support parents with alcohol dependence, reduce unnecessary child placements and increase the chances of successful family reunification.
Dissemination
The project members have a strong track record of publication in prominent international journals in a variety of disciplines, including addiction, sociology, social work, mental health and public health. To ensure continued dissemination of the project results, we will prioritise publication of scientific papers in these areas. In addition, the results will be presented at both national and international conferences.
In addition to academic dissemination, we are committed to engaging a wider audience. This includes issuing press releases and giving lectures to communicate our results to society at large. Furthermore, we will actively seek collaboration with relevant organisations, associations and authorities such as the Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions (SALAR), the Public Health Agency of Sweden and the Swedish Association for Alcohol and Drug Education (CAN) to ensure that our research has practical significance and reaches key stakeholders.
Societal relevance
This research examines how psychiatric co-morbidity, socio-economic factors and alcohol dependence influence the decision to place children in out-of-home care. The results of the project will help improve social policy by creating more accurate support systems for families affected by alcohol dependence.
By understanding the causal relationships behind these placements, the research will contribute to preventive strategies to reduce the number of children placed in homes with alcohol problems. In addition, the project will provide insights into how placements affect parents with alcohol dependence through their mental health, substance use and overall well-being.
These insights will be valuable for creating intervention programmes that promote recovery and reunification of families where parents have alcohol problems. By improving social support and reunification opportunities, the project will help to break the negative spiral for these families.
Project members
Project managers
Viviane Schultz Straatmann
Researcher
Members
Hélio Manhica
Ylva Brännström Almquist
Professor
