Evidence-based drug treatment practice and the child welfare system: the example of methadone

This article examined the extent to which methadone maintenance (MM) is considered a treatment alternative for drug-dependent parents, as reflected in the social work and child welfare literature and in child welfare policies. Findings were derived from a review of 15 social work journals published from 1996 through 2002 and from a review of child welfare policies in 27 states in regard to treatment recommendations for substance-abusing parents. These reviews found that 23 articles focused on child welfare-substance abuse issues; no article specifically discussed MM as a treatment option for heroin-using parents; and of the 27 states, only three included methadone as a treatment option in their child welfare policy recommendations. Practice and policy recommendations are discussed.