Prenatal Substance Exposure and Associated Factors: Inadequate Housing, Financial Problems, Domestic Violence, Foster Care, Adoption, Living Arrangements
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Date
2018-05
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The Ohio State University
Abstract
When a woman uses drugs or alcohol during pregnancy, the fetus is exposed to the substances in utero. This causes extended hospital stays for infants, risks of complications, and extra challenges for new mothers. According to the National Center on Substance Abuse and Child Welfare, an estimated 15% of infants are affected by prenatal alcohol or illicit drug exposure. Prenatal substance exposure complicates pregnancies and possibly the ability for a mother to parent her infant. This warrants a report to Child Protective Services to ensure the child's safety. This study is an analysis of The National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System (NCANDS) Child File from the National Data Archive on Child Abuse and Neglect at Cornell University. Data from the year 2016 was analyzed. The population of interest is families that have a child who has been prenatally exposed to substances. This population is identified using four variables, Drug Abuse Child, Alcohol Abuse Child, Child Age at Report, and Child is a Victim on This Report, with Drug Abuse Child and/or Alcohol Abuse Child marked yes, Child Age at Report less than one, and Child is a Victim on This Report marked yes. This research project looks at families affected by prenatal drug or alcohol exposure in relation to domestic violence, financial problems, inadequate housing, foster care services, adoption services, and living arrangements. An analysis of these variables will provide a well-rounded view of the social issues prevalent within the population. This information will be beneficial for Child Protective Service workers as well as Nurses and other professionals working in Neonatal Intensive Care Units where prenatal substance exposure is identified as well as identifying the social services that can be of help to families.
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Keywords
Prenatal Substance Exposure, Child Protective Services, Child Maltreatment, Substance Use and Addiction