This report describes a complex care management program for pregnant women with a diagnosis of substance use disorder in Camden, New Jersey. The program, called Camden Delivers, enrolled 46 pregnant or postpartum women who were involved with the child welfare system into the care management program. Each woman worked with her care team to co-design individualized care plans and were provided with support and advocacy including support during child welfare family meetings, family court, municipal court if applicable, and coordinated referrals to social services and behavioral health supports. This report describes 5 lessons learned that may be helpful for other jurisdictions creating similar service programs:
1. Building authentic healing relationships is essential, takes time, and increases engagement
2. Staff understanding of the child welfare system improves participants’ feelings of self-efficacy
3. If approached with a growth mindset, Family Team Meetings can be useful tools for participant growth
4. Family court is very stressful, so preparing participants for the experience is crucial
5. A negative participant-caseworker relationship can de-motivate participants.
The report concludes with recommendations for improving care and providing effective support for pregnant and postpartum women with complex health and social needs.
Funding Source: Atlantic Philanthropies, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, & AARP
Motherhood in Love and Struggle: Lessons from the Camden Coalition's Camden Delivers Program
A report describing a complex care management program for pregnant women with a diagnosis of substance use disorder in Camden, New Jersey from the Camden Coalition of Health Care Providers