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Published on: August 25, 2014
Care and supportive measures in school-aged children with prenatal substance exposure
Lisbeth B Sandtorv1,2, Siren Haugland3, Irene Elgen1,2
11 Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Division of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.
Insights
Children with prenatal substance exposure often require foster care and support services. This study highlights the significant need for awareness and resources for these children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Health
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders
- Public Health
Background:
- Prenatal exposure to alcohol and illicit drugs can negatively impact fetal development.
- Substance exposure in utero is linked to neurodevelopmental challenges and increased care needs.
- Understanding the long-term care requirements for affected children is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the care status of school-aged children with prenatal substance exposure.
- To assess the level of supportive measures provided to these children.
- To identify specific needs related to foster care placement and support services.
Main Methods:
- Study included 111 children (aged 6-14) with developmental impairment and prenatal substance exposure history.
- Participants were categorized by primary prenatal exposure (alcohol or other substances).
- Data on care status and support were gathered from medical records and caregivers.
Main Results:
- 86% of children were in foster care, with 30% placed before one year of age.
- 92% of children received supportive measures, including reinforced foster care and school/social support.
- Findings indicate a high demand for interventions and care.
Conclusions:
- A significant majority of children with prenatal substance exposure reside in foster care.
- These children demonstrate a substantial need for ongoing care and support.
- Increased awareness among caregivers and public agencies is vital for effective intervention.
Aims:
Prenatal exposure to substances, including alcohol, opiates, and a number of illicit drugs, may have a negative impact on fetal development. Studies have shown that substance exposure can influence a child's neurodevelopment and the need for care and supportive measures. In this study, we aimed to investigate the care status and the level of supportive measures in school-aged children prenatally exposed to alcohol and other substances.
Methods:
This study included children aged between 6 and 14 years who were referred to Haukeland University Hospital in Norway with developmental impairment and a history of prenatal substance exposure. Participants were classified according to their main prenatal exposure to either alcohol or other substances. Information on care status and supportive measures was obtained from medical records and participants' caregivers. We also compared the use of supportive measures for children placed into foster care before and after 1 year of age.
Results:
A total of 111 (87% of 128 referrals) eligible children participated in the study. Of these 111 children, 96 (86%) were in foster care, of whom 29 (30%) were placed into foster care during their first year of life and 83 out of 90 (92%) had supportive measures, including reinforced foster care and school or social support.
Conclusions:
A high proportion of the sample lived in foster care and received supportive measures. Findings may reflect an increased need of care and support in school-aged children with prenatal substance exposure, highlighting the importance of awareness among caregivers and public agencies.
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