Title : An analysis of child affection and parent’s addictive behavior
Abstract:
The purpose of this experiment was to examine the effectiveness of intervention and rehabilitative protocols to access to one’s children through supervised visitation (time sharing) on increased outcomes for parents recovering from alcohol or narcotic addictions. The field reports containing observations by Family Monitors of the Toby Center for Family Transitions, Inc. were the sources of data in this analysis. This is significant in that it is the role of these Family Monitors to serve as neutral third parties in facilitating supervised visitation between an addictive parent and their child(ren).
Cases were identified where there was a history of addictions and frequently dual diagnosis on the parent seeking visitation access where court orders for supervised visitation were presented. Legal documents, psychological evaluations, criminal allegations and self-disclosure served as evidence of concurrent treatment.
Research found that in more than 80% of these cases, parents participating in supervised time sharing (supervised visitation) were able to terminate these services and obtain normal access to their children without necessitating supervision, all within twelve months of these services.
The research further suggests that (Toby Center) supervised visitation program will be most effective for addict parents when working closely with these parents’ rehabilitative providers.
Importance of the Research: Whereas thirty percent of children are found to live in single parent households; whereas forty percent of public school children are prescribed behavior modification pharmaceuticals; whereas less than two thirds of secondary school children graduate high school; whereas twenty percent of children in single parent households do not have both parents in their lives, it is critical for society to find the means for children and parents to maintain bonds of affection.
Background of Researcher: Having worked in this field of child custody and reunification programs since 1998, Dr. Roseman has found the research showing that increased child access and parenting time with one’s children will improve the psychological and social outcomes for addicts who are parents.
