A Comprehensive Program For Alcohol and Drug Abusing Mothers And Their Young Children

In response to a legislative request, this report summarizes the results of an inventory of program services, gaps, and a fiscal impact analysis that served as a basis for a program designed by the Department of Social and Health Services and the state Department of Health for Medicaid-eligible women giving birth to drug or alcohol exposed infants. A continuum of family-oriented services is identified: chemical dependency treatment; mental health services; housing; family planning; outreach; First Steps (Maternity Support Services and Maternity Case Management); parenting education/parent support; Women, Infants and Children (WIC); vocational programs or employment; financial support; medical services; medical coverage for pregnant women in county jails; child care; early intervention services for children at high risk for health, behavioral, and developmental problems; and child welfare/child protective services. Details on these community-based services and the gaps in their coverage are provided and a three-year cost of $3.4 million estimated for initial start-up and administration of a comprehensive program for each 100 mother-child pair served.