Substance Use and Child Welfare: Intersecting Crises
A special issue of Social Sciences (ISSN 2076-0760). This special issue belongs to the section "Childhood and Youth Studies".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 January 2026 | Viewed by 96
Special Issue Editors
Interests: adolescent and youth development; child welfare; community-based participatory research; complex trauma; substance use intervention and long-term recovery; post-traumatic growth
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Alcohol and other substance misuse is a significant factor in the majority of child welfare cases, contributing to a cascade of challenges related to safety, stability, and well-being. The intersections of these challenges present critical public health issues, demanding comprehensive, coordinated responses that extend beyond surveillance and removal to include prevention, treatment, and long-term recovery support. Families impacted by substance use often face fragmented systems of care, with limited access to timely, evidence-based interventions.
This Special Issue invites empirical and theoretical contributions that explore innovative strategies for supporting families at the intersection of substance use and child welfare. We encourage research focused on models that span the full continuum—from prevention and early identification to treatment and sustained recovery. Topics of interest include integrated care delivery, family-centered practice, trauma-informed approaches, recovery housing, workforce training, and policy innovations that reduce barriers to treatment, support recovery, and promote lasting family well-being.
Submissions may also examine the role played by technology—such as telehealth, mobile tools, and digital platforms—in expanding access and improving service outcomes. Manuscripts employing qualitative, quantitative, mixed-methods, or the implementation of science-baes approaches are welcome. The aim is to advance practice, policy, and research that promote recovery-oriented, public health-informed approaches to child welfare.
Dr. Rebecca Gomez
Dr. Kasey Claborn
Guest Editors
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- substance use disorder
- child welfare
- prevention, treatment and recovery
- family-centered intervention
- child and family outcomes
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