Family Protective Factors and Child Behavioral Health in Families Affected by Parental Substance Use Disorder and Child Maltreatment

Abstract

Parental substance use disorder is a risk factor for child maltreatment and negative child behaviors. It is important to understand protective factors for families experiencing co-occurring parental substance use disorder and child maltreatment to develop strength-based interventions. The aim of this study was to (1) explore levels of protective factors for families with substance use disorder and (2) examine associations between family protective factors and child behaviors. Families (N = 124) were recruited from Ohio START, a child protection model for families affected by co-occurring child maltreatment and parental substance use disorders. Ohio START is a certified affiliate of the national START (Sobriety Treatment and Recovery Teams) model with a mission of reducing child maltreatment and increasing stability and self-sufficiency among families. A hierarchical linear regression model revealed that higher levels of family functioning (p =.029) and parenting knowledge (p <.001) were significantly associated with lower levels of child externalizing behaviors. Higher levels of family functioning (p =.012) and parenting knowledge (p <.001) were also associated with lower levels of internalizing behaviors. Findings indicate that psychosocial family-based interventions may be helpful in promoting positive behavioral health outcomes among children affected by parental substance use disorder and child maltreatment.