Abstract
Substance abuse is an important health issue facing children involved with child welfare, but little is known about the associated
factors. The purpose of this study was to build on findings from the Canadian Incidence Study of Reported Child Abuse and Neglect-2003 and use a national sample of 10–15 year old children to examine the factors associated with substance abuse for all investigations
and substantiated investigations of maltreatment. Our findings showed that almost 14% of all investigated children were abusing
substances and that this proportion was even greater among those whose investigation of maltreatment had been substantiated
(almost 16%). The severity of the experienced maltreatment, in addition to behavioural factors, was found to be associated
with substance abuse. While the pathways to substance abuse are complex, understanding the risk factors associated with substance
abuse in this population are important for targeted interventions for prevention and treatment.
factors. The purpose of this study was to build on findings from the Canadian Incidence Study of Reported Child Abuse and Neglect-2003 and use a national sample of 10–15 year old children to examine the factors associated with substance abuse for all investigations
and substantiated investigations of maltreatment. Our findings showed that almost 14% of all investigated children were abusing
substances and that this proportion was even greater among those whose investigation of maltreatment had been substantiated
(almost 16%). The severity of the experienced maltreatment, in addition to behavioural factors, was found to be associated
with substance abuse. While the pathways to substance abuse are complex, understanding the risk factors associated with substance
abuse in this population are important for targeted interventions for prevention and treatment.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-16
- DOI 10.1007/s11469-011-9320-y
- Authors
- Veeran-Anne S. Singh, Health Information, Analysis and Research Division, Health Canada, 19th Floor, Room 1956 C, Jeanne Mance Building, Tunney’s Pasture, AL 1919C, Ottawa, ON K1A 0K9, Canada
- Tiffany Thornton, Office of Research and Surveillance, Controlled Substances and Tobacco Directorate, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Lil Tonmyr, Health Surveillance and Epidemiology Division, Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Journal International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction
- Online ISSN 1557-1882
- Print ISSN 1557-1874