SAMHSA publishes Childen Affected by Metamphamine Brief

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) released its Children Affected By Methamphetamine (CAM) Brief. CAM is a SAMHSA-funded grant program focused on expanding and/or enhancing services to children and their families who are affected by parental methamphetamine use and abuse. Four-year CAM grants were awarded to 12 Family Treatment Drug Courts (FTDCs) nationwide, six in California. 

The following are highlights from the CAM program (p. 6 of the brief):

The CAM grantees’ preliminary outcomes make clear that a comprehensive family-centered FTDC approach that addresses the specific needs of children and families, in addition to a parent’s recovery, contributes to improved child, parent, and family well-being.

1. The majority of children at risk of removal remained in the custody of their parent(s) and did not experience maltreatment after entering the CAM program.
2. The majority of children in out-of-home placement achieved timely reunification with their parent(s). After returning home, very few children re-entered foster care.
3. Adults stayed in substance abuse treatment (on average, about 6 months) and nearly half successfully completed treatment.
4. The majority of adults also reduced their use of alcohol, marijuana and methamphetamine.
5. Families showed statistically significant improvements in their overall child well-being and family functioning, with the greatest gains made in family safety, readiness for reunification, and parental capabilities. 

Click here to learn more about the CAM program or view the full brief.