EVALUATING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF FAMILY PRESERVATION SERVICES FOR THE FAMILIES OF DRUG-EXPOSED INFANTS - A PILOT-STUDY

Twenty-seven families of drug-exposed infants were followed during the ir participation in a community-bared program designed to enhance chil d well-being and prevent out-of-home placement. The program consisted of multiple components including social work home visits, nursing serv ices. early childhood education, support groups, and parent/child inte raction groups. Results indicated that the program was partially succe ssful. In particular participation in the support groups and the paren t/child interaction groups was associated with successful child placem ent outcome. The implications for social work practice are discussed i n light of the parents' own perceptions of the program.