101290: Services for Children of Incarcerated Mothers With Co-Occurring Disorders

About the Course:

Early attachment theory grounds much current knowledge about optimal parent-child association: the positive impact of a close, continuous relationship between mother and child and the importance of proper attachments in infancy and early childhood as precursors to a person’s ability to form relationships later in life. Attachment bonds can be weakened in the children of incarcerated mothers with co-occurring disorders. This publication addresses the problem and discusses services for such children.

Journal/Publisher:

The GAINS Center

Publication Date:

September, 2002

Author

Lynne Katz, Ed.D.

About the Author:

Lynne Katz, Ed.D., is associated with the National GAINS Center for People With Co-Occurring Disorders in the Justice System, a national center for the collection and dissemination of information about effective mental health and substance abuse services for people with co-occurring disorders who come in contact with the justice system.

Recommended For:

This course is recommended for health care professionals, especially addiction counselors, psychologists, mental health counselors, social workers, and nurses who seek knowledge about services for children of incarcerated mothers with co-occurring disorders. It is appropriate for all levels of participants’ knowledge.

Course Objectives:

1. Explain the impact of incarceration on a mother-child attachment bond.

2. Describe the potential risks for children that arise from maternal incarceration, drug abuse, or mental health issues.

3. Identify promising programs that deal with the special needs of children with incarcerated parents.