Collaborative Strategies to Serve Substance-Exposed Newborns and Their Mothers

Although prenatal drug exposure can have immediate and latent effects on children, current research indicates that the post-natal environment is a critical factor in child outcomes. Early identification and intervention with mothers, infants, and families improves outcomes and saves society billions in health care, special education, and child welfare services, allowing substance-exposed newborns the opportunity to achieve their full potential.

Funded by the US Department of Health & Human Services Children's Bureau, A Helping Hand: Mother to Mother(AHH) is a demonstration project which seeks to implement the federal Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) requirement in identifying and serving substance exposed newborns (SENs). AHH is a collaborative project among the state public health department, child welfare department, substance use disorder treatment providers, and early intervention system. Key elements in this project include a peer recovery advocate to work with mothers, the referral of SENs to early intervention services funded under Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, and linkages to substance use disorder resources.

This session will describe a comprehensive, coordinated system of care for SENs, their mothers and families, through effective engagement in services and collaboration among service providers. Topics of discussion will include: utilization of a peer recovery model, identification and implementation of best practices, ensuring timely availability of critical services and expertise, development of training and education, continuous service quality improvement, and enhancement of policies. Strength-based, family-centered, and culturally competent services and interventions will be shared, including results from three pilot sites.