Recruitment and Retention of Substance-Using Pregnant and Parenting Women: Lessons Learned

According to current estimates, approximately 5.5 percent of all American pregnant women use an illicit drug during pregnancy. National concern for drug-exposed infants prompted interest in the needs of substance using pregnant women and in the development of drug treatment programs for them. A total of 147 comprehensive programs have been funded under the "Pregnant and Postpartum Women and Their Infants" (PPWI) initiative, the largest federal program targeting pregnant substance-using women and their infants. A 2-day focus group was held with representatives from 10 of these recently completed projects to share lessons learned about how best to recruit and retain this population. Before successful recruitment can take place, program staff must have a thorough understanding of participants' needs and lifestyles. Cultural sensitivity to ethnic backgrounds of clients is critical to making substance abuse programs inviting. Women who are addicted to substances live in a social environment where there is little long-term planning. Therefore, programs must reduce waiting time from initial contact to program entry. Recommendations are made relating to child care, transportation, staff training . Contains 58 references. Appended are a list of focus group participants and descriptions of 10 programs. (JBJ)