Improving outcomes for families affected by substance use in child welfare

Improving outcomes for substance-affected families in the child welfare system

['FUNDING_R01'] · EMORY UNIVERSITY · NIH-11140581

This study looks at how using substances during pregnancy affects families in the child welfare system and aims to find better ways to support pregnant people with substance use issues and their babies, so they can stay together and avoid foster care.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorEMORY UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (ATLANTA, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11140581 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the impact of substance use during pregnancy on families involved in the child welfare system. It focuses on understanding how policies and interventions can better support pregnant individuals with substance use disorders and their infants, particularly in preventing foster care placements. The study will analyze state laws and regulations related to Plans of Safe Care (POSC) and assess their effectiveness in improving outcomes for these families. By evaluating local factors and policy interventions, the research aims to provide insights that could lead to better support systems for affected families.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant individuals with substance use disorders and their infants, particularly those at risk of entering the child welfare system.

Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant or do not have substance use disorders may not receive direct benefits from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved support and outcomes for families affected by substance use, potentially reducing the number of infants entering foster care.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that policy interventions can positively impact child welfare outcomes, but this specific approach to evaluating POSC is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

ATLANTA, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.