Mothers, problematic substance use, and child welfare in northern British Columbia

This study examines the experiences of mothers with problematic substance use (PSU) involved with the Ministry for Children and Family Development child protection services (MCFD). The study takes place in two communities in northern British Columbia (BC). The smaller of the two communities is not named in order to protect the anonymity of the study participants. The larger community of Prince George, has a population of approximately seventy-thousand. The study focuses on the mothers' experiences of their involvement in the child welfare system in BC. Specifically, the aspects of the mothers' involvement related to identifying and accessing drug and alcohol treatment programs, or drug and alcohol counselling services (ADS) as mandated by MCFD. This qualitative, exploratory study provides a descriptive look at the women's experiences. The data is comprised of one on one, in-depth interviews conducted with ten mothers and one key worker, an experienced drug and alcohol counsellor. Demographic data were gathered using a questionnaire. The interviews took place between November 2008 and September 2009. A descriptive analysis of the data reveals a number of recurring themes. Participants identified the challenges encountered in their involvement with MCFD. The women also shared the personal impact of these problems. The mothers made recommendations for improving the experience of involvement with child welfare and ADS. The paucity of research specific to this population of women living in Northern British Columbia motivated this thesis.