Relationship-Based Home Visiting Services for Families Affected by Substance Use Disorders: A Qualitative Study

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Social Work
• Psychology

Background:

• Home visiting programs aim to deliver evidence-based services to families.
• Families affected by substance use disorders (SUDs) present unique challenges for these programs.
• Effectively serving these families requires understanding caregiver needs and experiences.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify key considerations for home visiting programs serving families with SUDs.
• To explore how to ensure caregivers feel they are a focus of the program.
• To understand the role of emotional experiences in program engagement for families with SUDs.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study using interviews and focus groups.
• Involved community stakeholders and parents affected by SUDs.
• Thematic analysis to identify key considerations and experiences.

Main Results:

• A primary theme emerged: "Who is the client?", highlighting the need for caregivers to perceive themselves as central.
• Understanding caregivers' emotional experiences, including their relationships with children and providers, is critical.
• Specific needs include supporting mothers in recovery, considering emotional states for program inclusion, and addressing complex family dynamics.

Conclusions:

• Home visiting programs must prioritize caregivers' emotional well-being and relational experiences.
• Tailoring services to address the unique emotional and relational needs of families affected by SUDs is essential.
• Focusing on the caregiver as the "client" can enhance program effectiveness and family outcomes.