Creating a Path From Crisis to Care and Connection: Perspectives on Child Removal and Family Separation from Parental Substance Use

Abstract

Family separation due to parental substance use negatively impacts not only caregivers and children but also family networks, foster parents, and providers who support these families. This qualitative study examined the experiences of birth, kin, and foster parents, and medical, behavioral, and community providers with child removal and custody loss. Twenty-six individuals participated in five focus groups where three themes emerged: (1) insufficient support for families at the time of removal exacerbates the trauma of custody transitions across all groups; (2) the lack of transparency in the child removal process fosters mutual mistrust; and (3) opportunities exist to enhance support for families facing the challenges of child removal. Holistic strategies that minimize trauma and address the needs of families, caregivers, and professionals who interact with the child welfare system are critical to enhancing the well-being of families affected by parental substance use.