Project

Northwest Center for Family Support: Building Statewide Capacity to Implement Evidence-Based Interventions in Families with Opioid Use Disorder

Project Description

Many children across Washington State have parents or caregivers suffering from opioid use disorder (OUD). These children are at increased risk for trauma and poor developmental outcomes. Although caregivers with OUD love their children, their addiction, often accompanied by health problems and a history of trauma, can make it difficult to consistently respond to children’s needs. This can lead to a more stressful and less predictable family life that increases the likelihood of short- and long-term physical, social, and mental health problems for the children, including substance use disorder.

Evidence-based interventions (EBIs) designed or adapted for families with OUD can foster more nurturing and responsive parenting, improve relationships, and increase parenting skills. They offer a potent opportunity to reduce the impact of OUD on children, including in marginalized populations where OUD is rising and systemic racism makes services less accessible. Most opioid treatment providers, including those in Washington, do not include any such interventions in their service mix. EBIs need to be integrated into existing service systems. Addressing funding and staffing constraints and gaining insight about needed adaptations could speed integration and access.