Improving outcomes for families affected by substance use in child welfare
Official title: Improving outcomes for substance-affected families in the child welfare system
Funded at Emory University · NIH-11140581 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $614,433 |
| NIH project number | 7R01DA056436-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11140581 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
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.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or do not have substance use disorders may not receive direct benefits from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
Emory University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Patrick, Stephen W — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Patrick, Stephen W
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.