MOMS Plus: A Public Health Program for Substance Using Pregnant Inmates in an Urban Jail

Abstract

MOMS Plus is a public health case management program offered to substance abusing pregnant women, including those incarcerated in jail. Improved pregnancy outcomes, substance abuse treatment, and diminished recidivism are the goals of service delivery. The program encourages prenatal care and substance abuse treatment and reduces Child Protective Services involvement for women enrolled. Elements of the program may be adopted by other correctional programs to improve outcomes for pregnant inmates and improve their capacity to complete substance abuse treatment and to parent. Unique elements of the service model are discussed. Recommendations are made for including program elements in jail release planning, as well as possibilities for future research.

Keywords

perinatal substance abuse pregnant inmates case management models public health co-occurring disorders

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