A recent study shows that children removed from their primary residence due to a volatile home situation, and who are placed with a relative for care, have a greater incidence of substance abuse than those placed in traditional foster care.

While children living with a relative, also called a kinship caregiver, have been shown to have fewer behavioral and social skills challenges than their counterparts living in foster homes, they appear to be twice as likely to be at risk for drug abuse.

“This is a disturbing finding, begins a spokesperson for Mountainside Drug Rehaband Alcohol Treatment Center. “It certainly would seem to be more desirable to place a child with a relative, rather than a complete stranger, for a variety of reasons. But, when doing so, this research shows us that there needs to be proper education and support given to help the caregiver to work with the child for the prevention of alcohol and drug abuse; this support should be in place for not only the initial transition period, but for the future as well. ”

The study also showed that kinship caregivers are about four times less likely to receive parental training, half as likely to receive additional financial support and seven times less likely to have any type of respite care.

Mountainside Drug Rehab and Alcohol Treatment Center is highly skilled in assisting families put their lives back together when affected by alcohol or drug use. And, for the past 12 years, Mountainside has established itself as an innovator within the addiction treatment field, and the treatment modalities Mountainside utilizes are regarded as among the most cutting-edge approaches in helping individuals to get and to remain sober.

Via EPR Network
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