The Triad Women's Project has been developing an integrated system of services for women, and the children of women with co-occurring disorders who also have experienced emotional, physical or sexual abuse. The services include clinical case management, peer support groups, parenting skills training, supportive transitional housing, and trauma specific group therapy. Studies have shown that women with histories of child abuse are four times more likely to have a psychiatric disorder and are at three times the risk for substance abuse disorders than the general population.
The project serves women and children in the Florida Department of Children and Families District 14, which includes Polk, Highlands and Hardee Counties. Under the new funding, the project will evaluate how effective the integrated system of services is in reducing symptoms, incarcerations, drug use, and hospitalizations, and improving quality of life and parenting skills. The outcomes of the integrated system will be compared to those of existing mental health and substance abuse services in a similar Florida district.
"We're proud of the work we have accomplished thus far, and are excited about the opportunity to assess that work," said Dr. Marion Becker, Lead Evaluator of the project. "Without evidence of service effectiveness, the project would only be half accomplished."
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