Assessing Legal Needs Among Marginalized Parents in Treatment for Substance Use Disorder

• In Event: 41021 - Student Forum Refereed Roundtables
  In Refereed Roundtable (90 minute): Roundtable 4: Substance Use Disorder and Anxiety

Abstract

This presentation will explore the legal needs of marginalized patients in substance use disorder (SUD) treatment, focusing on child support resources and the potential impact of implementing free public online resolution services. Utilizing a randomized controlled trial (RCT), an online court platform designed to facilitate dispute resolution was evaluated. This includes creating payment plans and requirement waivers in a format that makes the court system more accessible for individuals undergoing treatment. Over 300 participants enrolled in Medicaid or uninsured were selected from a community mental health case management system. Once consent was received, participants were randomly assigned to a treatment (received online tool tutorial) or control group. Then, a survey was completed assessing substance use, life history, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), and justice system involvement. The study population included a significant oversampling of African American and Native American individuals, illuminating the specific challenges faced by these marginalized groups. Our findings indicate a high prevalence of legal system involvement among participants, with substantial public benefit dependency and severe financial instability affecting their children and families. Many reported interactions with child protective services and identified as primary caregivers or non-custodial parents responsible for child support, a significant concern highlighted by focus group discussions with judges and court administrators. Judicial officers also reported that four out of five defendants in criminal dockets struggled with SUD, linking it to complicated legal issues, including criminal sanctions that exacerbate child support arrears and family instability. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions and policy reforms to address the intersection of SUD, legal challenges, and family support systems. We aim to discuss potential solutions and the importance of integrating legal resources into SUD treatment frameworks.

Authors

• Candice Tudor, Michigan School of Psychology

• Heather Poke, Michigan State University