A Randomized Controlled Trial of the Parent-Child Assistance Program in Oklahoma

The Parent-Child Assistance Program (PCAP) helps mothers who have used alcohol, opioids, or other drugs during pregnancy and their children through the work of highly trained, closely supervised case managers. Case managers work closely with mothers over the course of three years, meeting the mothers in their own homes when possible, to help them to set goals and take advantage of available resources. The primary aims of PCAP include: (1) assisting mothers in obtaining substance use disorder (SUD) treatment and staying in recovery, (2) linking mothers to community resources that will help them build and maintain healthy, independent family lives for themselves and their children, and (3) preventing future drug and alcohol use during pregnancy.

This study brings PCAP to Oklahoma (the state with the highest incarceration rate for women, where most enter the criminal justice system for drug charges) for the first time. In Washington state, where PCAP was first developed and implemented by researchers at the University of Washington in 1991 with federal funding, PCAP has expanded to 15 sites, covering 19 counties and a large majority of the state's population. The population the Washington program serves is highly vulnerable with significant childhood trauma. Eighty-nine percent of the mothers themselves had parents who abused alcohol and drugs. Nearly two-thirds were physically or sexually abused as children. Approximately one quarter had spent time in foster care. Thirty-five percent did not have a high school degree. Among 36% of mothers, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) was their main source of income. The investigators anticipate that PCAP participants in Oklahoma will share similar characteristics with those in Washington.

PCAP in Washington conducts evaluations focused on tracking outcomes for all participants. Despite the complex needs and vulnerability of this population and the tenuous situation of substance abuse while pregnant, PCAP outcomes are impressive. Among 1,561 graduates of the 3-year program between 2014-2020, at their exit from the program:

• 90% had completed SUD treatment or were in progress
• 82% were abstinent from alcohol and drugs for 6 months or more during the program and/or regularly using reliable contraception
• 54% had attended or completed classes (GED, college, or work training)
• 70% of the mothers had retained or regained legal custody of their child
• 93% had obtained well child visits and were up to date on child immunizations

Graduates of Washington PCAP were also less likely to use illicit drugs and receive TANF and more likely to be employed, use reliable contraceptives, and reside in permanent or stable housing. Furthermore, the Washington State legislature, prior to expanding the program, requested a cost savings analysis. This analysis, based on robust evaluation results, shows that the program likely realizes multiple sources of cost savings from reduced dependence on child welfare, fewer subsequent alcohol- and drug-exposed children, and reduced dependence on public assistance, among other benefits. The investigators expect similar outcomes for PCAP in Oklahoma.