OPTIONS FOR RECOVERY - CALIFORNIA PERINATAL PROJECTS

In response to the increasing magnitude of problems related to perinat al exposure to alcohol and other drugs, a novel interagency collaborat ion was formed that involved the California Departments of Alcohol and Drug Programs, Developmental Services, Health Services, and Social Se rvices. This collaboration was named Options for Recovery (OFR). Its m ission was to promote the recovery of pregnant, postpartum, and parent ing chemically dependent women and the enhancement of the health of th eir children by providing comprehensive and coordinated alcohol and ot her drug treatment, case management, and recruitment and training of f oster parents and relative caregivers. Seven OFR pilot projects were s elected. Findings from the three-year evaluation of the pilot projects showed that the initiative was successful in connecting women with es sential services, promoting perinatal recovery and child health, and i ncreasing family reunification of children in foster care. Women who w ere most likely to complete alcohol and other drug treatment were youn ger, high school graduates, mandated to treatment, or those who partic ipated in treatment 150 days or more. Participants reported high level s of satisfaction with OFR. The findings indicate that OFR served the unique needs of high-risk perinatal populations. Future efforts should try to reach women early in their pregnancies and should provide a wi de array of alcohol and other drug treatment approaches that are respo nsive to the myriad needs of women and their children.