Active Research Projects

Reimagining “Plans of Safe Care:” Promoting Recovery, Family Well-being, and Engendering Trust through Family Care Planning (R61DA061328)

Current approaches to prenatal substance exposure often rely on a one-time “Plan of Safe Care” at delivery, which does not provide ongoing support for families navigating treatment, stigma, and child welfare involvement. This multistage study aims to develop and evaluate a novel, comprehensive Family Care Planning (FCP) intervention designed to better meet federal Plan of Safe Care (POSC) requirements. Using qualitative and participatory co-design methods, we will produce a fully developed FCP intervention package tailored to the needs of perinatal individuals with substance use disorders and their families. We will then test its effectiveness using a type 1 Hybrid Effectiveness-Implementation trial to determine whether it improves treatment engagement, supports family preservation, and enhances maternal and infant health outcomes. 

Evaluation of toxicology testing and mandated reporting for prenatal substance use policy revision across a Massachusetts hospital system

This retrospective study aims to examine the impact of changes to MGB toxicology testing and mandated reporting for prenatal substance use at time of delivery. Using an interrupted time series design, the study will assess trends in toxicology testing rates, clinical indications for testing, DCF 51A reporting, and hospital readmission before and after policy implementation. Findings will inform efforts to promote equitable, evidence-based care practices for birthing individuals and families.

Pilot Feasibility of Infant Respite Care for Mothers With Substance Use Disorders in Residential Settings

This pilot program collaborates with the New England Doula Support company, two residential treatment programs, and the Department of Children and Families to provide overnight infant respite care for dyads currently residing in residential treatment programs. The primary aim of this mixed methods study is to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of night respite care in residential settings. The secondary aims will examine the extent to which provision of respite care results in improved maternal and infant outcomes including maternal exhaustion, mental health, substance use treatment retention, parenting-self efficacy, decreased unscheduled healthcare utilization, and reducing filings for parental abuse and neglect.

Use of Involuntary Civil Commitment for Substance Use Disorder Among Perinatal and Reproductive-Aged Individuals in Massachusetts

Using the Massachusetts Department of Public Health Public Data Warehouse, a statewide linked administrative database, this project will examine the use of involuntary civil commitment (ICC) for substance use disorder among reproductive-aged women in Massachusetts from 2014–2022. We will compare ICC rates during prenatal, postpartum, and non-perinatal periods and assess differences in sociodemographic, substance use, and mental health characteristics across reproductive stages.

Promoting Research with Mothers receiving OUD Treatment; a focus on Equity (PRoMOTE)

This study centers the experiences of women of color with opioid use disorder who are participating in the National Institute on Drug Abuse Clinical Trials Network (CTN)-0080 Medication Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder in Expectant Mothers (MOMs) trial. Through interviews with participants and research staff, the study explores factors that influence starting and continuing medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD), as well as trial enrollment and retention. Using a mixed-methods approach, findings from interviews are combined with survey data and site- and state-level information to better understand how race, equity, stigma, and discrimination shape care experiences. The goal is to identify practical opportunities to improve engagement, reduce structural barriers, and promote more equitable perinatal substance use disorder care.