Citation

Larsson G. Child Abuse Negl. 1980; 4(2): 89-99.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1980, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Different welfare measures taken by the social welfare authorities concerning 65 amphetamine-addicted mothers and their infants were studied from the time of pregnancy up to one year after birth. Various possible influences on the decision-making process in social work regarding infants at risk were investigated, such as the social worker's personality, the cooperation between social welfare and primary health care agencies, and closeness of contacts with the families. There was a documented concern for the unborn child's health and future in 41 % of the total number of pregnancies. One year after birth, 26 of the infants were in a foster-home. Of the remaining 39 one-year-old infants who were still in their mother's custody approximately 60% seemed to be growing up either under unsatisfactory conditions, or in conditions which the social worker did not know enough about to be able to evaluate. Several efforts were made to improve the social situation in the families. The position regarding parental compliance with different measures has, however, confused the social worker who experienced difficulty in pruning the non-essential elements and determining the appropriate factors for action.