Creating a Family’s Evidence-Based Training: A Game Changer for Parents and Child Welfare Professionals

FASD United is pleased to share exciting research findings from Creating a Family, a leading organization dedicated to supporting foster, adoptive, and kinship families. Through three randomized control trials (RCTs) conducted with university evaluators, Creating a Family has demonstrated the effectiveness of its facilitated interactive trainings on prenatal substance exposure to alcohol and drugs. These evidence-based programs are equipping caregivers and child welfare professionals with the knowledge and confidence to better support affected children.

Addressing a Critical Need in Our Community

Prenatal substance exposure is a significant issue within the foster care system, impacting 10-11% of children born in the U.S., with even higher rates among children in foster care. Exposure to alcohol, opioids, and other substances can result in developmental delays, cognitive impairments, and behavioral challenges that persist throughout a child’s life. Without proper training, caregivers and professionals may struggle to provide the best possible support for these children.

To meet this challenge, Creating a Family developed two specialized, research-backed training programs:

• Prenatal Substance Exposure Training for Child Welfare Staff
  (Evaluated in a large RCT with the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill)
• Prenatal Substance Exposure Workshop for Parents
  (Evaluated in two RCTs with North Carolina University)

Proven Impact

The results of these studies confirm that Creating a Family’s training programs:

Increase caregivers’ confidence in supporting children with prenatal substance exposure
Improve knowledge and self-efficacy among both parents and child welfare professionals
Enhance placement stability by equipping families with effective strategies
Are equally effective in virtual and in-person formats, ensuring accessibility for more families and professionals

These findings reinforce the importance of evidence-based training in strengthening families and improving outcomes for children impacted by prenatal substance exposure.

Participant Testimonials

The voices of parents and professionals who have taken these trainings highlight their effectiveness:

“This training gave us information that no one had been able to provide us with in over four years since we first received placement of our son. We have done numerous trainings and seen dozens of professionals, doctors, and therapists. This training taught us more about him and filled in blanks for us more so than any other training we have ever received.” – Foster Parent

“I live in a rural area where resources for FASD are almost non-existent. This training was extremely beneficial in helping us learn how we can help her and how to pursue outside help for her.” – Adoptive Parent

“I am a social worker. I feel everyone who works with children should have this training. We often do not know a child’s full history, and this training would greatly help professionals, providers, and parents grasp a better understanding of the children who may be affected.” – Child Welfare Professional

Learn More & Get Involved

Creating a Family continues to offer these valuable trainings throughout the year. We encourage caregivers, child welfare professionals, and community members to take advantage of this resource.

Register for upcoming trainings here: bit.ly/Prenatal-Exposure-Training

For more information or to connect with Creating a Family, contact Sarah Moser at sarah@creatingafamily.org.

FASD United is proud to highlight the impactful work of Creating a Family in strengthening families and improving the lives of children affected by prenatal substance exposure.