Associations Between Medication for Opioid Use Disorder and Family Functioning in Child Welfare-Involved Families

Abstract

Medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) is associated with improved child welfare outcomes, though no previous studies have examined the relationship between MOUD and family functioning. This observational retrospective cohort study examined trends in MOUD receipt over a 12-year period and assessed whether MOUD was associated with eight domains of family functioning at child welfare case closure. The sample consisted of 1310 parents from 951 families in Kentucky who entered child welfare services due to opioid use between 2008 and 2019. Multiple logistic regression models evaluated associations between MOUD duration within one year of service entry and family functioning. Rates of MOUD increased over the study period but remained low overall. Compared to parents receiving no MOUD, parents receiving 6–12 months had more than twice the odds of adequate or strong functioning across seven family functioning domains. Despite limitations, this study adds to the evidence showing positive associations between parental MOUD and child welfare outcomes.

Keywords

opioids medication for opioid use disorder child welfare system family functioning treatment

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