The information in this program outline is provided by the program representative and edited by the CEBC staff. The Parent-Child Assistance Program (PCAP) program has been rated by the CEBC in the area of: Substance Abuse Treatment (Adult).

• Child Welfare Outcomes: Safety, Permanency and Child/Family Well-Being
• Types of Maltreatment: Does not target any specific kind of maltreatment
• Target Population: Women who used alcohol or drugs heavily during pregnancy and who are not effectively connected with community service providers, and their children. Women are enrolled during pregnancy or up to 6 months postpartum.

Maternal alcohol/drug abuse puts children at risk because of possible effects of prenatal exposure on the child’s health and because these mothers are likely to provide a compromised home environment. These problems are preventable by helping the mothers build healthy and independent lives. Since 1991, PCAP has served high-risk mothers who abuse alcohol/drugs during pregnancy and their families using a theory-based model (relational theory, stages of change, and harm reduction). PCAP intervention activities are conducted by trained and supervised case managers who each work with 16 families for 3 years, beginning during pregnancy or postpartum. PCAP case managers have experienced similar adverse life circumstances as clients, have subsequently achieved success in important ways, are positive role models, and offer hope from a realistic perspective. They provide regular home visitation, and help clients obtain treatment and stay in recovery. They connect families with comprehensive services including health, housing, parenting, and vocational services.