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November 2003Vol. 4, No. 9Archived Webcast: Helping the Justice and Child Welfare Systems Meet the Needs of Families Affected

Nearly 1.7 million of the 2 million adult Americans in prison or jail are seriously involved with drugs or alcohol. In addition, increasing rates of children have incarcerated parents--current estimates suggest almost 200,000 children under age 18 have an imprisoned mother and more than 1.7 million have an imprisoned father. Both imprisonment and addiction are recognized as contributing factors to child abuse and neglect, and both can pose significant barriers to family reunification.

A recent Webcast sponsored by the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT) examines how the justice and child welfare systems and drug courts have evolved over the years to work in collaboration to address substance abuse disorders. An expert panel highlights innovative strategies that are helping both systems better meet the needs of parents and children affected by substance abuse.

The Webcast is hosted by Ivette Torres, Associate Director for Consumer Affairs, CSAT. Panelists include Shay Bilchik, Child Welfare League of America; Judge Arthur Burnett, District of Columbia Superior Court; Gloria Danzinger, Center for Families, Children, and the Courts; and the Honorable Karen Freeman-Wilson (ret.), National Association of Drug Court Professionals.

Find the archived Webcast on the Recovery Month website at www.recoverymonth.gov/2003/multimedia/w.aspx?id=219.