Incorporating a Healthy Living Curriculum within Family Behavior Therapy: A Clinical Case Example in a Woman with a History of Domestic Violence, Child Neglect, Drug Abuse, and Obesity

Women reported to child protective service agencies frequently report problems that significantly interfere with the health
and well-being of their children and themselves. Behavioral treatment programs appear to be effective in managing these co-existing
problems, such as domestic violence and substance abuse. However, evidence-supported interventions are rarely exemplified
in complicated clinical cases, especially within child welfare settings. Therefore, in this case example, we describe the
process of adapting an evidence-supported treatment to assist in managing significant co-existing health-related problems
in a mother who was referred due to child neglect and drug abuse. At the conclusion of therapy, the participant reported improvements
in perceived family relationships, illicit drug use, child maltreatment potential, whereas other health-related outcomes were
mixed. Most improvements were maintained at 4-month follow-up. Issues relevant to implementing evidence-based treatments within
community contexts are discussed, including methods of increasing the likelihood of valid outcome assessment, managing treatment
integrity, and adjusting standardized treatments to accommodate co-occurring problems.