MetroFamily Magazine May June 2023

FAMILY MENTAL WELLNESS

because it allows the continued relationship between the child and parent, reduces recidivism, improves child welfare outcomes and is a great motivator toward someone staying in recovery.” Any person with an SUD who wishes to become pregnant, is pregnant, is in the postnatal period or who has child welfare involvement is a candidate for an FCP. Any provider can start an FCP for a parent or parent-to-be with an SUD, using online training from ODMHSAS. Harrison hopes the success of FCPs will keep more families together, improve how local and state systems work together to support parents with SUD and empower long-term recovery. “We have this view that if you don’t stop using it means you don’t love your child,” said Harrison. “But SUDs are a medical disease that need treatment. It’s important to address so we can improve the quality of treatment, engagement and access to treatment.” Editor’s note: This article is part of a 10-month series of articles and podcasts with 988 Mental Health Lifeline. Find the full series at metrofamilymagazine.com/mental-health.

If an infant is born substance exposed or affected and CPS is notified, the FCP details the steps the mom has taken and will continue to take in her recovery. While having an FCP doesn’t mean an infant won’t be removed from the home if the environment is deemed unsafe, it does help families reduce or eliminate safety issues and give them a better chance of keeping custody of their children. “Our primary goal is to prevent family separation whenever safely possible and provide enough robust community supports to that family that they can discharge home with their infant,” said Harrison. “This provides the family greater odds for long- term recovery, reduces the ACE [Adverse Childhood Experience] score on day one of a baby’s life and breaks cycles.” The data shows FCPs are working. At CTI in Tulsa, between October 2019 and November 2022, 81 Family Care Plans were developed. Of those families who had babies in that time period, 100 percent of infants were released from the hospital with their parents. Similarly, at the STAR Center in Oklahoma City, 85 percent of infants whose parents had FCPs were released home. The next step is to increase education and reduce stigma so that parents, or parents-to-be, with SUD will feel empowered to access services. “Research shows a punitive approach has counteractive results,” said Harrison. “It can push people not to engage in prenatal care or treatment. But a public health approach has greater success