Family and aftercare model: A comprehensive treatment program for homeless families

The links between substance abuse, co-occurring psychiatric disorders, trauma, and homelessness have been the focus of recent research on the treatment of women. This study compares two interventions designed for the complex population of mothers (N=283), who are currently head of household, have a substance abuse disorder with co-occurring homelessness and, for a large proportion, mental health symptoms. The Experimental (E) program provides comprehensive, modified therapeutic community (MTC) residential treatment services enhanced with a trauma-specific intervention and Housing Case Management. The Comparison (C) program consists of a standard MTC without the added trauma and housing enhancements. The women bring up to 2 of their children into treatment with them. The intervention is planned for 4-6 months of residential treatment.

The study employs a quasi-experimental, non-equivalent control group design with prospective, longitudinal, repeated measures, intent-to-treat analyses, and four data points: baseline (at treatment entry), and 3-, 9-, and 15-months post-baseline. This presentation reports on the profiles of the women entering treatment and notes that, although referred for substance abuse treatment, the mothers were found, on treatment entry, to have serious co-occurring mental health and trauma symptoms. The presentation also and discusses study outcomes for this complex population.

The study contributes to our understanding of the treatment needs and treatment responsiveness of homeless women with serious co-occurring disorders. It also advances research through a rigorous study of the enhanced MTC program effectiveness compared to standard MTC treatment and has implications for breaking the cycle of poverty, homelessness, and substance abuse.