Research summary
Most women in treatment for substance use are balancing their treatment with the responsibilities of motherhood, and many are involved with child protection services. There is a lack of research examining the relationship between substance use treatment and child protection services, and the impact on health outcomes for mothers and their children. This hampers the development of policies and practices to effectively support women. Dr. Karen Urbanoski’s research will lead to a better understanding of how involvement with child protection services influences treatment motivation, therapeutic processes and outcomes. Research will be conducted in collaboration with women with lived experience, service providers, and decision-makers.